The Guide Dogs association is making a call to the Government to speed up their promises over Talking Buses by asking people to contact their MP.
Two years ago, it was announced that all buses nationally were to be provided with equipment to ensure blind or visually-impaired people would know where their stops were. However, according to the association they still haven’t told bus companies when and how this will happen.
As one guide dog owner comments: “I use the bus about two to three times per week. The stopping and starting of buses means that I often don’t know where I am during the journey, or where to get off. This makes my journeys stressful. I often avoid getting the bus if I go somewhere new and instead get a taxi or train, which obviously isn’t cheap.
If I’m doing a short distance, from home into town then I know the bumps and bends in the roads and can tell where I am on my journey. However, if I get distracted by a noise or someone talking then I can easily lose track and get very agitated.
Two years ago, the Government announced they would make all buses Talking Buses, meaning that they would be fitted with audio visual announcements. However, they still haven’t told bus companies when and how to make their buses Talking Buses.
Will you join me and write to your MP and ask them to call on the Government to say when they’ll publish this information?”
You can fill in the email to send to your MP here. You can also request a printed copy by telephoning freephone 0800 953 0113.
