Guide Dogs volunteer Fiona Byers, guide dog puppy Bobby and Jenny Willott MP
Jenny Willott, Welsh Liberal Democrat MP, for Cardiff Central is supporting a campaign led by the charity Guide Dogs to make travelling by bus easier for people with sight loss.
Jenny met with Guide Dogs alongside Liberal Democrat Bus Minister Baroness Kramer to discuss how announcements in buses can help blind and partially sighted people use buses more easily and not miss their stops.
Only 20% of UK buses have audio visual (AV) and without it, 9 in 10 blind or partially sighted passengers have got off at the wrong stop. Currently, bus operators are under no obligation to include AV technology when upgrading their buses.
Commenting, Jenny Willott MP, said:
“I am very pleased to support the Talking Buses campaign. I know how important the work of Guide Dogs is for many people, both in my constituency and across the country.
“Announcements on buses are vital for blind and partially sighted passengers. I have been contacted by constituents who have friends and family affected by this. It is very important that we do all we can to support blind people to live independent and fulfilling lives.”
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 Jenny Willott MP 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.”
