A new initiative aiming to make bus and train travel easier for disabled people was launched last week.
The Pembrokeshire Passport, a joint initiative between the Pembrokeshire Access Group and Pembrokeshire County Council, which has been part funded by Health Challenge Pembrokeshire, is a bright orange wallet with plastic pockets that disabled people can put information in.
It is designed to give more independence.
Chairman of the Pembrokeshire Access Group, Henry Langen, welcomed the passport, the first to be used in Wales.
He said it will be a tremendous tool for disabled people.
“Once the bus drivers, train staff and taxi drivers recognise it as a distinctive document, you will be able to hold that up when going to catch a bus and the driver will realise that someone who may need extra held is coming on the bus.
“If you can’t speak, or are deaf or blind, you can put pre-written cards in to tell the driver where you want to go, ask if it is the right bus and so on.”
The passport can be used on any bus in Pembrokeshire and on Arriva trains and stations. Taxi drivers will also know about the wallet.”
Access Officer Alan Hunt added, “There has been a lot of interest, particularly from groups who have learning difficulties, or people who don’t have speech or have a speech impediment, the people who find it difficult to communicate.
“They will be able to prepare their journey and go out with more confidence. It will be a real benefit to transport staff and travellers.”
Passport holders can put words, pictures or cards in to show where they want to travel or to help they might need. Emergency instructions can also be included in case treatment is needed while out travelling.
To request a Pembrokeshire Passport, telephone Pembrokeshire County Council on 01437 764551.
