Making bus travel easier for the blind

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WARRINGTON North MP Helen Jones has shown her support for a campaign led by the charity Guide Dogs to make travelling by bus easier for people with sight loss.
The MP went to a reception at the Houses of Parliament in support of Guide Dogs’ campaign to make sure all new buses have audio visual next stop announcements, which are vital for blind and partially sighted bus travellers.
The reception highlighted how announcements enable blind and partially sighted people to understand their location, and prevent them from missing their stops.
Audio visual systems are only fitted to around one fifth of the bus fleet nationally, with the overwhelming majority of these in London.
Ms Jones said: “I am joining with Guide Dogs to call on the government to require all new buses to be fitted with AV, as currently bus operators are under no obligation to include this technology when upgrading their fleet. AV is the least we should expect from bus service providers – helping as it does to ensure a safer journey for people with sight loss.
James White, Guide Dog’s campaigns manager, said: “Buses are a lifeline for people who are blind or partially sighted, and we welcome the support of Helen Jones for people with sight loss to be able to travel safely and independently.”
“Without AV, bus travel for people with sight loss can be especially difficult, stressful, and dangerous when stops are missed and they end up in an unfamiliar area.
“Safe and accessible bus services give people with sight loss much greater freedom to work, socialise and participate in the community.
Picture: Helen Jones at the Westminster reception promoting Talking Buses.


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Experienced journalist for more than 40 years. Managing Director of magazine publishing group with three in-house titles and on-line daily newspaper for Warrington. Experienced writer, photographer, PR consultant and media expert having written for local, regional and national newspapers. Specialties: PR, media, social networking, photographer, networking, advertising, sales, media crisis management. Chair of Warrington Healthwatch Director Warrington Chamber of Commerce Patron Tim Parry Johnathan Ball Foundation for Peace. Trustee Warrington Disability Partnership. Former Chairman of Warrington Town FC.

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