Blind and partially sighted Greater Manchester residents are invited to a public event to walk through the layout of different bus styles, speak to drivers and training managers about their experiences and discuss how changes can be made to improve the accessibility of buses in Greater Manchester.
Greater Manchester Sight Loss Council, which advocates for the needs of blind people, has partnered with Stagecoach and RNIB for the event on Wednesday 30th March 2022.
The event will take place at Sharston Depot, Leestone Road, Sharston Industrial Estate, Manchester, M22 4RB. Bus drivers, trainers and staff will try various Simulation Spectacles (Sim Specs), which simulate the different sight conditions their visually impaired passengers have.
RNIB Regional Campaigns Officer for the North West, Terri Balon said: “It is important that bus operators such as Stagecoach understand the barriers that blind and partially sighted people face when travelling.
“This event allows staff to experience some of these challenges first-hand which we hope will lead to improved experiences for people with sight loss.”
Kelly Barton, Engagement Manager, for Greater Manchester Sight Loss Council said: “Public transport is such a vital service to blind and partially sighted people and we are very pleased to be working with Stagecoach and RNIB to enhance the awareness of their drivers and other staff.
“This will be a great opportunity for Stagecoach staff to ask questions that they may have and also for blind and partially sighted people to ask questions about bus travel too.
“The past two years have been exceptionally challenging for bus providers and blind and partially sighted people and so it is extremely encouraging that we are able to deliver this event together.”
Greater Manchester Sight Loss Council is part of a network of councils across the country working to influence positive change. Part of their work is focused on improving access to transport, hospitality settings, pavements and roads, arts and entertainment venues.
Learn more about the campaign on the Sight Loss Councils website: https://bit.ly/3yIZ0WP
If you would like to attend this event, please get in touch with Engagement Manager, Kelly Barton at kelly.barton@pocklington-
