In News

The government announced at the end of October that buses around Britain will become more accessible to passengers thanks to a new partnership with the Real Time Information Group and a new transport campaign. The Real Time Information group, support the use of communications technology on public transport and will work with the Department for Transport to allocate £2million to small bus operators to provide audible and visible onboard information.

The £2 million will provide audio and visual equipment for buses to improve journeys for those with visual and hearing impairments. This is being launched alongside a new campaign by the Department for Transport called ‘It’s Everyone’s journey’ which aims to improve disabled people’s experiences when using public transport.

Statistics say that around 50% of all public transport journeys are made on buses and as such, it is important that improvements are made to make it easier for those with accessibility needs. The extra funding will help ensure that those using the buses will have greater confidence knowing where they are and when to get off, hopefully, the initiative will allow people to gain some independence.

The It’s Everyone’s Journey campaign is the first stage of a new government initiative to highlight how everyone can work together to improve the experiences of people with accessibility needs when using public transport. Part of the campaign involves encouraging charities, transport companies and others to join the campaign.

British Airways has become the first airline to be involved. Speaking to reporters, Carolina Martinoli, BA's director of brand and customer experience, said: "We are thrilled to be part of, and support, the Department for Transport's 'It's everyone's journey' campaign. We know it can be difficult for customers with additional needs to travel and British Airways is committed to creating an environment that is inclusive and makes it easier for more than half a million disabled customers who travel with us each year."

Over the past year, BA have been working to make their service as accessible as possible. In September, they launched their own dedicated helpline for customers who need extra assistance and currently, they are the first and only airline to be awarded an Autism Friendly Award from the National Autistic Society. 

In the Government's report published recently, Grant Shapps, Transport Secretary, said: “It is unacceptable that people still feel they cannot travel by bus because of a lack of basic route and destination information on board local bus services.
“This partnership is the next step in ensuring that passengers have the information that they need to confidently travel on local bus services throughout Britain. However, we know there is more to do which is why I’m delighted we’re also launching out It’s Everyone’s Journey campaign and I invite as many partners as possible to join up that everyone has equal access to public transport.”

Nusrat Ghani, the Accessibility Minister, said: “Transport is at the heart of how we live our lives and I am determined that we remove any barriers faced by disabled people. Every passenger, regardless of where they travel in Great Britain, should be able to do so confident that they have boarded the correct vehicle and are travelling to the right place. That is why it’s fantastic to announce this partnership with the Real Time Information Group and I hope this funding will help more buses meet the needs of people who rely on them every day.”

The fund for the provision of audio and visual information is part of the Inclusive Transport Strategy which aims to provide equal access to the transport network by 2030. Find out more about the timeline and how the funding will benefit bus companies here.

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