MP supports Talking Buses Campaign

Madeleine Moon MP has given her support to the Talking Buses campaign organised by Guide Dogs for the Blind.

The campaign aims to make bus travel easier for blind and partially sighted passengers and other sensory impaired people by getting audible and visual (AV) information systems – which clearly tell passengers the next stop and final destination – installed on new buses.

Guide Dogs for the Blind is calling on the Government to make it a requirement for all new buses in the UK to have on board audible as well as visual information systems, as is already a requirement for trains and trams. It is also encouraging councils and bus operators to look at providing systems on existing vehicles to improve the accessibility and quality of service for local people.

Madeleine said

“Many disabled and elderly people find it very difficult or impossible to use buses independently and with confidence for fear of being stranded at the wrong stop. They are often left feeling anxious and unsafe, and some give up using the bus altogether.”

“I fully support campaign to make it a requirement to install this technology on buses. It would make a huge difference to the lives of people who previously have avoided using buses and would also benefit visitors to an area – hopefully encouraging more to leave their cars at home.”