‘Meet the Bus’ in Lancashire
Sunday 22 September 10:00am - 2:00pm
Lancashire Sight Loss Council invites blind and partially sighted people living in Lancashire to their ‘Meet the Bus’ event on Sunday 22 September from 10am – 2pm.
About the Meet the Bus event
Are you blind or partially sighted (BPS)? Do you lack confidence to use the bus network as a result?
‘Catch The Bus Month’ is a nationwide event, run by Bus Users UK with the aim of celebrating and promoting buses in the UK as a “healthy, accessible and sustainable way to travel”.
As part of Catch a Bus month, Lancashire Sight Loss Council (SLC) has partnered with Blackpool Transport to host a ‘Meet the Bus’ event to increase blind and partially sighted (BPS) people’s confidence in using the bus network. The event on Sunday 22 September will run from 10am – 2pm.
Sight Loss Councils, funded by Thomas Pocklington Trust, are regional groups led by blind and partially sighted volunteers. Together, we work with organisations to ensure what they do is accessible and inclusive.
Build confidence to travel
At the event, you will get the opportunity to familiarise yourself with the bus layout, as well as speak to bus drivers and representatives from Blackpool transport.
A bus will be parked next to Central Pier where we will base the event. The address is Central Pier, Promenade, Blackpool, FY1 5BB.
We will also take sim specs along and get bus drivers to try these on. Sim specs are special glasses which simulate various eye conditions. The aim is to give drivers an understanding of the challenges and barriers that BPS people face in accessing buses.
Jane Cole, Managing Director of Blackpool Transport said:
“Our buses play a crucial role in connecting communities and providing accessible transport for everyone. Our goal with this event is to create a supportive environment where everyone can become more familiar with our services, meet members of our friendly team and gain the confidence they need to use public transport more comfortably.”
Sight Loss Council Engagement Manager for the Northwest, Kelly Barton, said:
“We are really excited to invite blind and partially sighted people
along to this Meet the Bus event in partnership with Blackpool Transport. This is a great opportunity for people who don’t usually travel on buses to feel more confident. For those who do travel, it’s the perfect chance to meet with staff, give some feedback and come and ask some questions.
“We would love you to join us on the day. You can either drop in for half an hour or stay the entire time.”
Lancashire SLC volunteer Lynne said:
“One of the main things to living an independent life as a blind
person is having a bus service that is easy to use and accessible to all. It’s no fun sitting on a bus wondering where you are or if you’ve missed your stop. Our aim is to make buses accessible for blind and partially sighted people.”
Event details
- Date and time: Sunday 22 September will run from 10am – 2pm.
- Venue: Central Pier, Promenade, Blackpool, Lancashire, FY1 5BB.
- This event is free to attend. You can either drop in for half an hour or stay the entire time.
- Booking: Are you bringing a guide or companion? If so, they will need to book a separate place under their name. This is to help us manage numbers for the size of the venue.
Photography and video
During registration, you will be asked to confirm you are happy to be included in any photographs, videos or images from the event. These will be used promotional purposes, raising the profile of our work and for sharing information and good practice. Please note, if you do not wish to be included, you may still feature in the background.
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