Scots operators sign to RNIB
Eight Scottish operators have signed up to the RNIB’s bus charter. They include Stagecoach, Citylink, McGill’s, First, Lothian Buses, Xplore Dundee, Prentice Coaches and Whitelaws. The charter itself lists a series of pledges for bus operators, such as ensuring buses approach stops slowly enough for anyone to make out the route number, reviewing timetable and bus stop information to make it as accessible as possible, as well as letting blind or partially sighted customers know when they have reached their destination.
Director of CPT Scotland, George Mair, said, ‘CPT is delighted to endorse the RNIB Bus Charter. The bus industry is responsible for three-quarters of all public transport trips in Scotland and operates the government’s Concessionary Travel Scheme. As such, it is hugely important that bus services are accessible to all. Working with partners such as the RNIB helps highlight elements of the journey experience that may be challenging to people with certain disabilities and the Bus Charter is a valuable tool to help make bus more inclusive, easy to use, and welcoming for the blind and partially sighted. The commitment of the bus industry is evidenced by the support pledged by operators such as Stagecoach, First Bus and Lothian Buses and we encourage other operators to sign up.’
MD of Xplore Dundee, Elsie Turbyne, said, ‘We already have in place various measures to ensure our services are easy for everyone to use, and I’m glad to put Xplore Dundee’s name to the RNIB’s bus charter to show our ongoing commitment to getting bus travel right for everyone. This is an excellent opportunity for all of us, as public transport providers, to review and enhance our provision for customers with any additional needs, including vision impairment, hearing loss or mobility issues. A large number of bus users in the city are concessionary travel pass holders and rely on our services to get around, and it’s crucial that everyone has the same positive experience on our buses, regardless of their age or abilities.’