DRIVERS got onboard to find out the obstacles blind and partially sighted people have when catching and travelling on buses.
Blind people from Bolton “swapped places” with the drivers as part of the Royal National Institute of Blind People’s (RNIB) bus campaign.
Drivers took part in tasks such as trying to board a bus and paying for a ticket.
Rob Hughes, Operations Manager for First in Bolton, said: “We are delighted to take part in this event.
“First is proud of its record in helping all disabled customers to have confidence in bus travel.
“This awareness day is part of our training for drivers and will further enhance their customer service skills to deal with many types of situations they may encounter when driving their vehicles.”
Lindsay Armstrong, RNIB Regional Campaigns Officer for the North West, said: “Catching a bus should not be a sight test.
“Local bus travel is a lifeline, providing an important means of transport within the community for those who are not able to drive. Buses are often the only affordable way to travel independently to work, appointments or to visit friends and family.
“However, the difficulties blind and partially sighted people face in making journeys, that other people often take for granted, are unacceptable and often unnecessary. We want operators to remember one simple principle: stop for me, speak to me.
“We are excited to be working with First Bus in Bolton to build drivers’ awareness of the difficulties faced by blind and partially sighted passengers, which will help make their journeys easier and therefore more enjoyable in the long term.”
Source: this is lancashire
