Stop for me (From York Press)

Stop for me

9:14am Wednesday 31st October 2012 in Letters By Reader's letter

FOR those with sight loss, buses are often the only affordable way to travel independently to work, appointments or to visit friends and family.

However, the difficulties blind and partially sighted people face in making such journeys are unacceptable and often unnecessary.

Nine out of ten blind and partially sighted people cannot see to hail the bus they want and eight out of ten miss their bus because it does not stop.

The Royal National Institute of Blind People’s (RNIB) bus campaign ‘‘Stop for me, Speak to me’’ wants bus operators to change their policy and get drivers to stop for blind and partially sighted customers.

We are also calling for bus operators to ensure drivers tell blind and partially sighted passengers the bus number and when to get off. It’s vital for bus drivers to speak to passengers with sight loss so they can plan their journey.

We do not believe any driver wants to leave anyone behind at a bus stop or ignore a blind customer’s request for verbal information.

The RNIB has heard from many blind and partially sighted people who have good experiences on buses and with drivers, but too many have bad experiences and are put off using their local bus service.

If you think blind or partially sighted people shouldn’t be left behind at bus stops, visit rnib.org.uk/bus

Claire Lawrence, RNIB Regional Campaigns Officer, Loughborough, Leicestershire.