I was shocked to learn when speaking with the charity Guide Dogs how often blind people miss their stop because they do not know where they are. In fact 7 in 10 passengers with sight loss have been forgotten on a bus as they missed their stop and were unable to know where on the route they were. For a sighted person, missing a stop is an annoyance, but for someone with sight loss, it is potentially dangerous.
It is vital then, that we expand the number of talking buses on our roads. Talking buses, which provide “next stop” and “final destination” announcements, are essential for people with sight loss to live independently. At this time, only one fifth of the UK’s buses are talking, 97% of which are in London.
I am therefore delighted that the Government will be taking action in the Bus Services Bill. The Bill is the biggest reform of buses since the 1980s and the Government has acted to include enhanced partnership schemes between local authorities and bus operators in the bill. These would allow all buses within a local area to provide audible and visual next stop information.
James White, Senior Campaigns Manager at Guide Dogs, commented:
“Talking buses give independence to people with sight loss, enabling them to travel on their own and reducing stress and anxiety. They also help other travellers including tourists and infrequent bus users to reach their destination safely.
“The Government have now recognised the need to roll out talking buses nationwide. We are asking politicians like John Glen to ensure they follow through and commit to making talking buses the norm across the UK.”