‘Meet the Bus’ in London
Wednesday 11 September 10:00am - 2:00pm
Vauxhall Bus Station (Stop H), Vauxhall SW8 1SJ
London Sight Loss Councils’ invite blind and partially sighted people living in London to their ‘Meet the Bus’ event on Wednesday, 11 September from 10am – 2pm.
This event is now fully booked. To join the waiting list, please contact Liam O’Carroll on liam.ocarroll@pocklington.org.uk or 07970231583.
About the event
Are you blind or partially sighted?
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, London Sight Loss Councils’ (SLC) have partnered with Transport for London (TfL) to host a ‘Meet the Bus’ event to increase blind and partially sighted (BPS) people’s confidence in using the bus network.
This event will allow visitors the opportunity to familiarise themselves with a bus layout, speak to drivers, operational staff and training managers about their experiences, and discuss potential changes to improve the accessibility of buses in London.
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.
Nicki Guy, Senior Engagement Manager for London Sight Loss Councils, explained:
“We are delighted to partner with TfL to host our first ‘Meet the Bus’ event in London as part of our ongoing work to make transport accessible in the capital. Having accessible public transport is fundamental to blind and partially sighted (BPS) people’s independence.
“Our hope is that people who didn’t have the confidence to travel independently, will leave the event with renewed confidence to do so. It’s also a great opportunity to ensure bus drivers have a greater understanding of some of the concerns BPS passengers face, and what they can do to alleviate these.
“We can’t wait to see you on the day!”
Mark Evers, Chief Customer Officer, Transport for London, said:
“We’re constantly looking for ways to improve London’s bus service for all of our customers and to remain as accessible and inclusive as we can.
“This is a great opportunity for us to meet our customers, gain valuable feedback on how blind and partially sighted people experience the bus, and see where we can improve.”
Jordan, South East London SLC volunteer, said:
“Buses are a very important way to get around large cities like London, and it is important that visually impaired people have the same access as other members of the public.
Our ‘Meet the Bus’ event is a very important way for bus drivers and other workers within the network to get first-hand feedback from those that have lived experience of travelling on buses.”
Mary, South West London SLC volunteer, said:
“Getting on a bus is quite challenging as I do not have the vision to glance around and assess the environment I am in. I am unsure of the layout of the seating, have no idea where the bell buttons or grab rails are and cannot work out the best place to put my guide dog.
“Having the time to explore and learn about buses when there are no other members of the public around will provide information that will make travelling for me, much less daunting.”
Monique, North London SLC volunteer, added:
“Traveling independently is a game changer. Our ‘Meet the Bus’ event is not just about learning; it’s about gaining the independence and that makes a huge difference in daily life.
“If you’re partially sighted like me, you know how crucial it is to travel independently and I would encourage you to attend our event.”
Event details
- Date and time: Wednesday, 11 September 2024, 10am – 2pm.
- Venue: Stop H, Vauxhall Bus Station, 5 Bondway, Vauxhall SW8 1SJ – adjacent to Vauxhall railway station.
- Those coming by train will need to use the main exit. If travelling by underground, please use Exit Two – Bondway.
- Staff will observe both exits and assist to and from bus stop H for the event.
- This event is free to attend.
- Booking required: 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.
- Booking closes 5pm. Monday 9 September.
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.
Join our mailing list
When you register, you will be asked whether you would like to join our mailing list.
By consenting to receive our emails you agree to your data being retained and used to send you information of interest to you. We will not sell or rent your information to third parties. We may share your information with third parties such as MailChimp or SurveyMonkey in order to send you communications or to canvass your opinion. You can opt out of these communications at any time by emailing info@sightlosscouncils.org.uk