Stagecoach East Scotland is to offer free bus travel to guide dog trainers when travelling with their canine trainees, as part of a joint initiative with the Guide Dogs for the Blind Association.
Being able to travel confidently on public transport from when young is a key requirement for guide dogs.
To support the valuable service they provide to the visually impaired, guide dog trainers who show their Guide Dogs ID badge when travelling with dogs will gain complimentary travel on Stagecoach East Scotland services.
Go North East, Pulhams Coaches and Thames Travel are among other operators which have announced free travel for dog trainers.
David Frenz, Stagecoach East Scotland Operations Director, says: “We’re proud to be working with Guide Dogs to offer trainers free travel on our services, supporting the many people across our communities who live with sight loss.
“This commitment continues to demonstrate that we do the right thing for the community we serve.”
Guide Dogs’ Puppy Development Advisor Joan Van-Eijk adds: “We are delighted to have had this opportunity to work with Stagecoach East Scotland on an exciting new initiative that will be an incredible help to our dog training staff and volunteers.
“To create successful life-changing guide dog partnerships, our dogs need to feel calm and confident using public transport from an early age.
“This collaboration, which also included sighted guide training for drivers, will make a real difference to people living with sight loss across the region.”
