RNIB creates checklist of best practice to improve access to public transport

A new report from the Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB), funded by Motability, reveals some of the issues that people with sight loss experience when trying to use public transport, with more than 50% of those with sight loss finding it difficult to navigate public transport facilities.

The report also shows that more than three quarters feel nervous about travelling to unfamiliar places and one in five say they feel unsafe.

And according to RNIB, the availability and consistency of accessibility measures vary greatly across transport modes and regions, and are especially poor in rural areas.

The report highlights that even when making familiar journeys, more than two fifths of the group needed support during every trip, with this number doubling for unfamiliar journeys. Some 10% also report negative experiences with staff on public transport.

In the report, the RNIB, a charity that supports people with sight loss and visual impairments, has called on transport operators to address gaps in their service and improve usability for partially sighted passengers or those with sight loss.

Key areas of focus include:

• Physical features: Tactile paving, detectible curbs, handrails, lifts, clear routes, step-free access

• Visual clarity: Clear signage and markings, colour contrast

• Audio design: Accurate, frequent, and clear audio announcements on buses and train.

Vivienne Francis, chief social change officer at RNIB, said, “We’ve worked with Motability to dig deeper into the common barriers people with sight loss face when planning and making journeys, which range from inaccessible websites to train and bus stations which are difficult to navigate, and lack of audio announcements to indicate changes or delays.

“We have now used the insights to create a checklist of best practice, and the often simple changes that make journeys more inclusive. We are calling for all transport providers to work with us to create a transport infrastructure that works better for everyone.”

Barry Le Grys, CEO of Motability, added, “This report draws on the experiences of blind and partially sighted people to demonstrate the challenges they face when using public transport.

“It is vital that the voices of people with sight loss are heard so that the improvements can be made which allow them to travel independently. We are pleased to have worked with RNIB on this important research.”

Another highlight from the research was that technology such as smartphones and travel apps can support the increased independence of blind and partially sighted people using public transport.