First Borders has pledged its support to blind and partially sighted bus customers by becoming one of the first bus operators to sign a charter developed by the Royal National Institute of Blind People to make services more accessible.
The ‘Bus Charter’ encourages operators to provide services that are more accessible for customers with sight loss and follows the RNIB’s successful ‘Stop for me, Speak to me’ bus campaign which was designed to give bus drivers a better understanding of the challenges blind and partially sighted customers face when using the bus.
First Borders driving staff are currently undergoing extra training which has been specifically designed in partnership with the RNIB and other sight loss charities.
Paul McGowan, managing director of First Borders, said: “As part of our commitment to improve customer service and attract more people onto our buses, we are working with a number of disability groups to understand how the company can provide better services.
“I’m delighted that we’ve partnered with RNIB and signed its charter. All our drivers are receiving extra training so they are better aware of the issues that people with sight loss face.”
Fazilet Hadi, director of inclusive society at RNIB, said: “We are delighted at the positive and enthusiastic response from First to our charter.
“Local bus travel is a lifeline, providing an important means of transport and we want operators to ensure current and future services are accessible.”