BUS drivers in York found out first hand what it's like to be blind on public transport.

First York drivers took part in a “swap with me” exercise where drivers were given glasses to impair their vision so they can experience what it’s like to move around the bus with no, or hardly any, sight.

The exercise took place with members of the York Blind and Partially Sighted Society (YBPSS) and involved drivers wearing SIM SPECS, which help to simulate different types of sight loss. Drivers were then asked to show a bus pass and to find a seat on board the vehicle.

The aim of the exercise was that the drivers could learn from their experiences and improve journeys for blind or partially sighted customers by taking part in exercises to experience what it’s like to be on board a bus with limited or no vision.

Training is provided to all bus drivers, however passengers are also being asked to remember to stay seated until the bus has come to a stop.

Speaking about the exercise and partnership with YBPSS, Rachel Benn, head of operations at First York, said: “Following a meeting with members of the YBPSS, we decided to hold an exercise with some of our drivers, so that they can better understand what more they can do to assist partially sighted passengers.

"Our drivers found the exercise very useful and we now want to roll this out with all drivers across First York.

"Alongside this exercise, we also regularly remind our drivers of the importance of stopping for blind and partially sighted people waiting at a bus stop and to speak to those boarding the bus.”

Caroline Robertson, Service Manager for YBPSS, said: “Members of YBPSS were pleased to be invited to take part in the “Swap with Me” event and felt it was a very worthwhile exercise.

"We would very much like to see this rolled out to all drivers and appreciate the work being done by First York in partnership with YBPSS to raise awareness of what it is like to live with sight loss.”

For more information on First York services, please visit www.firstgroup.com/york. For information on the visual impairment awareness training by YBPSS contact Caroline Robertson on 01904 731124 or caroline.robertson@ybpss.org