‘Meet the Bus’ event success in London
London Sight Loss Councils celebrate the success of their ‘Meet the Bus’ event in London last month held in partnership with Transport for London (TfL).
Over 40 blind and partially sighted (BPS) Londoners attended the fully booked event which was held as part of Sight Loss Councils (SLC) ‘Catch a Bus month’ activity. These ‘Meet the Bus’ events aims to increase BPS people’s confidence in using the bus network. They enable attendees to familiarise themselves with a bus layout, speak to drivers and training managers about their experiences, and discuss potential changes to improve the accessibility of buses in London.
At the event, we were joined by drivers and trainee drivers who learnt more about vision awareness and some of the challenges BPS people face using the bus network. Drivers had the opportunity to wear simulation glasses which mirror some of the most common sight loss conditions, and then identify, board, and locate a seat on the bus. As a result, these sessions were particularly successful and everyone commented on the impact these sessions will have on them moving forwards.
Hilary, Devante, Safety Trainer for Transport UK, said:
“Today has reinforced the importance of the help we offer. It was a really helpful session. By wearing the sim-specs and boarding the bus, I realise how much we take for granted. It wasn’t easy but it was important to help us to understand how we can help our blind and partially sighted passengers.”
Launch of bus driver training materials
Sight Loss Councils, together with Thomas Pocklington Trust, have launched new approved bus driver training materials for bus and coach drivers across the country.
The Driver Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) has confirmed the course meets conditions for the Driver Certificate of Professional Competence (DCPC) training. Bus and coach drivers complete this every five years.
SLC volunteers used their lived experience to create these resources, which are designed to help drivers better support their blind and partially sighted passengers with confidence.
How to access free training materials
Feedback from the event
Nicki Guy, Senior Engagement Manager for London Sight Loss Councils, said:
“Wow, what an incredible turnout we had at our inaugural ‘Meet the Bus’ event in London! We were thrilled to welcome so many attendees and to increase understanding around bus travel and sight loss. Feedback from the drivers and trainers was really positive, and we hope to build upon this momentum to work more closely with them directly in the future.
“It is clear from the number of attendees that there is demand for such events. Public transport is essential for BPS people to maintain their independence, and it is essential that we have the confidence to use it.”
Stephen Hatcher, Operator Staff Development Manager at TfL, added:
“Our employees truly valued this unique opportunity. The event brought together bus operator trainers, drivers, and over twenty trainee drivers, who engaged directly with blind and partially sighted customers, gaining firsthand insights into their experience using London buses.
“Introducing this at such an early stage of their training is incredibly impactful, and we’re confident it left a lasting impression. We’re now encouraging all attendees to share what they’ve learned with their colleagues back at the garages.”
Ben Man, Engagement Manager (ED&I), TfL said:
“It was brilliant to see so many visitors meet our bus drivers, trainers and staff, learn about the new features we have introduced, and share their experiences with us. We know that many in the partially sighted community rely on buses, so it is vital that everyone involved in our bus services as the opportunity to listen and understand their experiences first-hand.”
Anthony, Lead trainer, Transport UK, said:
“Thank you for organising today, it was very insightful. I drove for 12 years before becoming a driver trainer. I thought my approach was inclusive and I always prided myself on the help I offered, but today I realised that there some people with sight loss that I may not have recognised.
“Bus drivers are busy and it’s easy to get caught up in the rush, but I always remind my drivers that we are there to look after everyone, and today has been an important reminder of that.”
Mary Cox, South West London SLC volunteer, said:
“When I go on a bus journey, I often wonder if I have sat in the best place, held the nearest rail or found the button closest to my seat. Visiting a stationary bus helped me to answer these questions and I now have a strategy for moving on the next electronic bus I get onto.”
Harry Meade, South West London SLC volunteer, said:
“I was pleased to attend the recent “Meet the Bus” event organised by London Sight Loss Councils in partnership with TFL. It was a great opportunity to see what TFL is building into their new buses to make them more accessible for those of us living with sight loss.
“We also got the chance to meet some bus drivers and trainers and explain first-hand the issues we face when travelling by bus.”
Lola Lee-Walsh, South East London SLC volunteer added:
“I was really impressed by the enthusiasm of the bus driver trainers, instructors and the travel mentors at our ‘Meet the Bus’ event. It was refreshing to see them engaged in our conversation and open to hearing about some of the problems experienced by the BPS community. TfL staff were eager to demonstrate the positive improvements to the new electric buses, and this was well received.
“I think we should do more of these events with other bus garages across London, working closely with trainers and instructors – especially around vision awareness. It was my first event as an SLC volunteer, and I found it very rewarding.”
SLC volunteer Lola Lee-Walsh talking to TFL staff
Ashley Pearce, South West London SLC volunteer, said:
“I found the event very positive in moving our campaign forward to make mainstream society more aware of the issues that people with sight loss face on a daily basis.
“TfL’s staff were friendly, helpful, open minded and understanding of the issues that disabled people encounter. They were knowledgeable in their specific areas of expertise and answered questions as honestly as possible.”
Paul Hsu, North London SLC volunteer said:
“It was a great event and offered an ideal opportunity to communicate with TfL and its staff – especially the bus trainers and drivers.
“I told them how BPS passengers may not know when a bus arrives at a stop of the bus number. Sometimes I have stood at the stop for hours and missed many buses. We hope the bus trainers and bus drivers can have a solution to take care of BPS passengers.”
Ishan Jha, Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Travel Hands finished by saying:
“At Travel Hands, our mission is to make travelling safe, comfortable and affordable for visually impaired people.”
“The event was a great opportunity to share the challenges the BPS community faces on London buses. It was also useful to learn some of the challenges faced by bus drivers and TfL staff.”
Bus driver in sim specs tapping in
Extract from bus driver training materials
This short video clip is an extract from the training materials. In the video clip, blind and partially sighted Sight Loss Council volunteers and TPT staff talk on buses about the importance of bus travel. The end slide says you can learn more about www.sightlosscouncils.org.uk and includes the Sight Loss Councils, Brighton and Hove Buses, and Thomas Pocklington Trust logos.
How to access free training materials
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Publication date: 23 October 2024