The Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB) has called for improved accessibility on public transport for those with sight loss.
In introducing the report, which was published today, RNIB says: “There are a range of barriers that people with sight loss face, and we are calling for transport providers to make their services more accessible to enable blind and partially sighted people to travel independently and live a fulfilled life.
“We also believe that accessible design is better for everyone – allowing an improved experience for all customers.”
The report stated that 37% of the partially sighted or registered blind people surveyed as part of the research found public transport “difficult” to use. Fifty-three per cent of the responders said they found it “easy or very easy”.
The survey also found that 21% said public transport did not meet their needs, compared to 60% who said they were satisfied it did.
When asked about the barriers of using public transport, 22% of those taking part said inaccessible or inadequate information was a problem. Finding public transport, such as the right bus stop or platform, was reported to be an issue for 23%.
Encouragingly for the bus sector, this mode of transport was found to be the most popular with 37% using it – as compared to 25% for taxis and 21% for trains.
However, the report highlighted: “The consensus is that bus networks, in particular, need to be much better at providing good audio information at every point of the journey.” It added: “The current reliance on text information across the bus network (timetables at bus stops, dot matrix boards) or complete lack of audio announcements onboard is a big obstacle to blind and partially sighted people feeling in control of their journeys.”
On 30 March, the government announced that audio and visual onboard announcements on nearly all buses would be required by law by October 2026.
Among the other suggestions in the report was a button at bus stops which could inform of the time of the next bus audibly, more priority seating and training programmes to help drivers assist. Another issue highlighted was “foggy or dirty windows”, which made it difficult for passengers with sight issues to see where they were on the route.
