A new training initiative is helping bus and coach drivers across the UK deliver inclusive and accessible journeys for blind and partially sighted passengers.
What if a simple action – a driver stopping, speaking and offering support – could transform a bus journey from an overwhelming challenge into an empowering experience? For blind and partially sighted passengers, these small but vital gestures are game changers.
The Vision Impairment Awareness for Bus Drivers training programme, developed by Thomas Pocklington Trust and its network of volunteer-led UK Sight Loss Councils, is an initiative designed to address the specific challenges faced by blind and partially sighted passengers. Built on firsthand insights from visually impaired individuals, the training equips drivers with practical skills to make bus journeys more inclusive and accessible.
Supported by IRU member the Confederation of Passenger Transport (CPT) and the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA), the training programme is already being implemented across local bus services and by coach operators in the UK.
Centred on the principles of “see and stop” and “speak and support”, the training empowers drivers to deliver small but impactful actions that can transform the travel experience. From identifying passengers who may struggle to flag down a bus to providing clear communication about destinations and helping with seating, these actions foster confidence and independence for passengers with visual impairments.
This training programme marks a key step in ensuring that buses continue to serve as vital lifelines, offering independence, opportunities and connection to those who depend on them most.
Learn more about Vision Impairment Awareness training and its positive impact.
Training materials for professional bus and coach drivers are available here.