‘Swap with me’ in Oxford

A group of visually impaired people swapped places with drivers from the Oxford Bus Company recently in an event intended to demonstrate the barriers the blind and partially sighted face when travelling on buses. The ‘Swap with me’ event is part of the Royal National Institute for the Blind’s (RNIB) bus campaign, which calls on operators to remember one principle: Stop for me, Speak to me. Whilst wearing glasses that simulate blindness, drivers took part in tasks such as trying to board a bus and paying for a ticket.

Oxford Bus Company’s Operations Director, Phil Southall, said, ‘Oxford Bus Company has gone out of its way over the years to make its services accessible to everyone. We routinely host events at our Cowley House headquarters so that passengers with mobility issues can try the best ways of boarding and leaving our buses. When the RNIB asked us to host this event we were delighted to help. All our drivers have regular disability awareness training and the “Stop for me, Speak to me” slogan should reinforce the message that Oxford Bus services are for everyone.’

To join the campaign, visit www.rnib.org.uk/bus or call RNIB on 020 7391 2123.