Blind 'neglected' claims DPTAC
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• Bus companies could be neglecting blind passengers by not providing enough facilities and help, a pressure group for the disabled has claimed.
The visually handicapped cannot see approaching buses in time to hail them, so drivers should look out for blind people who are obviously waiting for a bus, the Disabled Persons Transport Advisory Committee has urged.
Drivers must be briefed about concessionary fares for the blind, and new timetables should be given on local radio and through 'talking newspapers', the committee says in a letter to bus companies.
The Bus and Coach Council feels that most operators take a close interest in the problems of the blind, but deregulation and the introduction of new drivers means many are unfamiliar with local concessionary schemes. Areas such as south Yorkshire have introduced metal braille-like plates at doors to help blind passengers with the layout of a bus, and other companies have brightly painted steps and rails for the partially sighted.
London Buses says it has recently set up a unit for all disabled travellers, and sends regular press releases on timetable changes to local radio stations. Its drivers are trained to help disabled and blind passengers.