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North Wales Chronicle
3 days ago
- General
- North Wales Chronicle
Blind bus passenger on biggest travel challenge in Wales
Just one-in-10 blind or partially sighted people can make all the journeys they want or need to by bus in Wales, according to a report recently released by RNIB Cymru. Buses are a vital mode of transport for blind and partially sighted people to access work, healthcare, education, and community activities. RNIB Cymru's 'All Aboard' report shows that nearly half (43 per cent) find making familiar bus journeys either fairly or very difficult and this rose to nearly nine in ten (87 per cent) for unfamiliar journeys. The charity highlights challenges at every stage of a person with sight loss' bus journey, from planning their travel, to getting to the bus stop, and getting on and off the bus. Rob Williams, 30, from Ruabon, said: 'The biggest issue for me is definitely drivers. Their attitudes and training feel so inconsistent which is frustrating because I'm often dependent on them to let me know when I'm at the right stop. 'I'm totally blind, so without someone telling me where I am I've no way of knowing, especially on an unfamiliar route. "In the past drivers have remembered once we've gone past the stop and I've been dropped off in the rain on the side of a main road without a pavement, which wasn't ideal. 'One time I was told we'd gone past my stop and I had to choose between walking back three miles or waiting several hours for the next bus going the other way.' Other findings in the report, based on feedback from blind and partially sighted people in Wales, included: Just two per cent can access timetables at bus stops. One in four (27 per cent) can't easily identify their local bus stop. 80 per cent say that audio announcements are 'sometimes, rarely, or never' present. Nearly three in four (71 per cent) say bus drivers don't have suitable training to support blind and partially sighted people Based on the findings of its report RNIB Cymru is making recommendations to Welsh Government, Transport for Wales and local bus operators on how they can make their services more inclusive and accessible. These include making sure that digital and physical timetables are accessible to all, improving the design of bus stops and stations, and guarantees of a consistent level of audio information and support on board buses. Welsh Government has recently introduced a Bus Services Wales Bill in the Senedd, something RNIB Cymru hopes will make bus travel more accessible to the 112,000 blind and partially sighted people living in Wales. Ansley Workman, RNIB Cymru Country Director said: 'Bus travel is absolutely vital for blind and partially sighted people. Unfortunately, bus services in Wales are failing their blind and partially sighted passengers by being shockingly inaccessible. 'Nobody with sight loss should feel like they're having to overcome hurdles at every stage of their bus journey. This is why our report doesn't just highlight problems, it offers lots of solutions. "We want to see bus planning tools that are accessible and work with assistive technology, safer routes to and from bus stops that are designed to be inclusive. "On board buses there also need to be changes, with reliable audio announcements available on every bus, and drivers who feel confident to support their passengers with sight loss. 'These improvements could be absolutely life changing for blind and partially sighted people who rely on accessible bus travel to be live a full and active life.'
Rhyl Journal
3 days ago
- General
- Rhyl Journal
Blind bus passenger on biggest travel challenge in Wales
Just one-in-10 blind or partially sighted people can make all the journeys they want or need to by bus in Wales, according to a report recently released by RNIB Cymru. Buses are a vital mode of transport for blind and partially sighted people to access work, healthcare, education, and community activities. RNIB Cymru's 'All Aboard' report shows that nearly half (43 per cent) find making familiar bus journeys either fairly or very difficult and this rose to nearly nine in ten (87 per cent) for unfamiliar journeys. The charity highlights challenges at every stage of a person with sight loss' bus journey, from planning their travel, to getting to the bus stop, and getting on and off the bus. Rob Williams, 30, from Ruabon, said: 'The biggest issue for me is definitely drivers. Their attitudes and training feel so inconsistent which is frustrating because I'm often dependent on them to let me know when I'm at the right stop. 'I'm totally blind, so without someone telling me where I am I've no way of knowing, especially on an unfamiliar route. "In the past drivers have remembered once we've gone past the stop and I've been dropped off in the rain on the side of a main road without a pavement, which wasn't ideal. 'One time I was told we'd gone past my stop and I had to choose between walking back three miles or waiting several hours for the next bus going the other way.' Other findings in the report, based on feedback from blind and partially sighted people in Wales, included: Just two per cent can access timetables at bus stops. One in four (27 per cent) can't easily identify their local bus stop. 80 per cent say that audio announcements are 'sometimes, rarely, or never' present. Nearly three in four (71 per cent) say bus drivers don't have suitable training to support blind and partially sighted people Based on the findings of its report RNIB Cymru is making recommendations to Welsh Government, Transport for Wales and local bus operators on how they can make their services more inclusive and accessible. These include making sure that digital and physical timetables are accessible to all, improving the design of bus stops and stations, and guarantees of a consistent level of audio information and support on board buses. Welsh Government has recently introduced a Bus Services Wales Bill in the Senedd, something RNIB Cymru hopes will make bus travel more accessible to the 112,000 blind and partially sighted people living in Wales. Ansley Workman, RNIB Cymru Country Director said: 'Bus travel is absolutely vital for blind and partially sighted people. Unfortunately, bus services in Wales are failing their blind and partially sighted passengers by being shockingly inaccessible. 'Nobody with sight loss should feel like they're having to overcome hurdles at every stage of their bus journey. This is why our report doesn't just highlight problems, it offers lots of solutions. "We want to see bus planning tools that are accessible and work with assistive technology, safer routes to and from bus stops that are designed to be inclusive. "On board buses there also need to be changes, with reliable audio announcements available on every bus, and drivers who feel confident to support their passengers with sight loss. 'These improvements could be absolutely life changing for blind and partially sighted people who rely on accessible bus travel to be live a full and active life.'
Leader Live
3 days ago
- General
- Leader Live
Wrexham: Blind bus passenger on biggest travel challenge
Just one-in-10 blind or partially sighted people can make all the journeys they want or need to by bus in Wales, according to a report recently released by RNIB Cymru. Buses are a vital mode of transport for blind and partially sighted people to access work, healthcare, education, and community activities. RNIB Cymru's 'All Aboard' report shows that nearly half (43 per cent) find making familiar bus journeys either fairly or very difficult and this rose to nearly nine in ten (87 per cent) for unfamiliar journeys. The charity highlights challenges at every stage of a person with sight loss' bus journey, from planning their travel, to getting to the bus stop, and getting on and off the bus. Rob Williams, 30, from Ruabon, Wrexham, said: 'The biggest issue for me is definitely drivers. Their attitudes and training feel so inconsistent which is frustrating because I'm often dependent on them to let me know when I'm at the right stop. 'I'm totally blind, so without someone telling me where I am I've no way of knowing, especially on an unfamiliar route. "In the past drivers have remembered once we've gone past the stop and I've been dropped off in the rain on the side of a main road without a pavement, which wasn't ideal. 'One time I was told we'd gone past my stop and I had to choose between walking back three miles or waiting several hours for the next bus going the other way.' Other findings in the report, based on feedback from blind and partially sighted people in Wales, included: Just two per cent can access timetables at bus stops. One in four (27 per cent) can't easily identify their local bus stop. 80 per cent say that audio announcements are 'sometimes, rarely, or never' present. Nearly three in four (71 per cent) say bus drivers don't have suitable training to support blind and partially sighted people Based on the findings of its report RNIB Cymru is making recommendations to Welsh Government, Transport for Wales and local bus operators on how they can make their services more inclusive and accessible. These include making sure that digital and physical timetables are accessible to all, improving the design of bus stops and stations, and guarantees of a consistent level of audio information and support on board buses. Welsh Government has recently introduced a Bus Services Wales Bill in the Senedd, something RNIB Cymru hopes will make bus travel more accessible to the 112,000 blind and partially sighted people living in Wales. Ansley Workman, RNIB Cymru Country Director said: 'Bus travel is absolutely vital for blind and partially sighted people. Unfortunately, bus services in Wales are failing their blind and partially sighted passengers by being shockingly inaccessible. Read more 'Nobody with sight loss should feel like they're having to overcome hurdles at every stage of their bus journey. This is why our report doesn't just highlight problems, it offers lots of solutions. "We want to see bus planning tools that are accessible and work with assistive technology, safer routes to and from bus stops that are designed to be inclusive. "On board buses there also need to be changes, with reliable audio announcements available on every bus, and drivers who feel confident to support their passengers with sight loss. 'These improvements could be absolutely life changing for blind and partially sighted people who rely on accessible bus travel to be live a full and active life.'
South Wales Argus
21-05-2025
- South Wales Argus
Call to improve bus services for blind people in Wales
The 'All Aboard' report highlights the importance of buses for accessing work, healthcare, education, and community activities. Almost half (43 per cent) find familiar journeys difficult, and this rises to 87 per cent for unfamiliar routes. The report identifies challenges at every stage of the journey, from planning to boarding. Only two per cent can access bus stop timetables, and 27 per cent struggle to identify their local stop. Audio announcements are often absent, and 71 per cent believe drivers lack suitable training. Carole Morgan, 70, from Cardiff, said: "As someone living with sight loss, I would love to be able to rely on my local bus services to take me to my volunteering roles and medical appointments but unfortunately, I can't because there's not always a direct service to where I need to go." RNIB Cymru is urging the Welsh Government, Transport for Wales, and local operators to make services more inclusive. Suggestions include accessible timetables, improved bus stop design, and consistent audio information. Ansley Workman, RNIB Cymru country director, said: "Bus travel is absolutely vital for blind and partially sighted people. "Unfortunately, bus services in Wales are failing their blind and partially sighted passengers by being shockingly inaccessible." The Welsh Government has recently introduced a Bus Services Wales Bill, which RNIB Cymru hopes will improve accessibility.
Yahoo
09-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
First-ever Europe Debut of Konami Real-Money Online Slots Celebrated by Portugal's Solverde.pt
Online players in Portugal are Europe's first to enjoy Konami real-money slots LAS VEGAS, April 09, 2025--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Konami Gaming, Inc. and Solverde Group announced the official European premiere of Konami real-money online slots. Online players at Portugal's largest online casino, became Europe's first to wager on Konami slots via smartphone, tablet, and desktop, with player-favorites from the casino including All Aboard™, Cobra Hearts™, Chili Chili Fire™, and more. For more than a decade, guests at traditional land-based casinos across Europe have enjoyed Konami slot games, known for rewarding bonus events, memorable hero characters, high-volume free games, and rich quality graphics. Konami aims to expand those same experiences across European iGaming markets, beginning with this historic launch in Portugal. "Solverde Group is leading the market with this milestone, becoming the first in Europe to offer Konami real-money online slots to online players," said Steve Sutherland, president and chief executive officer at Konami Gaming, Inc. "It is the first of many new iGaming partnerships we hope to build across Europe, as a key strategic market for expanding Konami's online slot offering to more players." This launch makes way for a continuous pipeline of Konami online content, proven in quality and recognized by players. For years, casino players in Portugal have enjoyed Konami slots at Solverde Group's five casino gaming destinations, including the nation's first casino resort, Hotel Algarve Casino. Now players on can enjoy a variety of Konami slot entertainment online, from anywhere within Portugal. "As the Portuguese online casino with the widest portfolio, we are excited to lead all of Europe in debuting Konami real-money online slots across the country," said Manuel A. Violas, Board Member at Solverde Group. "This month's debut games are the first of many popular Konami slots we look forward to publish on for our players to enjoy." "Considering our longtime partnership in the traditional land-based space, Konami is especially pleased to congratulate on this high-profile iGaming launch, at the forefront of the entire region," said Eduardo Aching, vice president of international gaming operations at Konami Gaming. "Through Konami's owned remote gaming server, there is a wealth of proven quality slot content that we're ready to expand to more of Europe's leading online operators very quickly." In an effort to fuel this expansion, Konami Gaming, Inc. is opening its official European office this year, licensed under the European Union. For more information about Konami Gaming, Inc., please visit About With more than 50 years of experience in casinos, tourism and leisure, Solverde Group operates five land-based casinos and four hotels in Portugal, located across the country. is the Group's latest Casino, launched in 2017, a 100% legal and national online casino, approved and licensed by the Portuguese Tourism Gaming Regulation and Inspection Service, which holds the no. 10 license. provides all the fun of casino games with the quality, safety and experience that Solverde guarantees, available 24 hours a day and anywhere, in the largest online casino available in Portugal. In 2020, added sports betting to its portfolio offering many exclusive markets and boosted odds. In 2024, it was the first online casino to launch Crash Games in Portugal. For more information, please visit About Solverde Group Solverde was founded in 1972 in order to combine leisure, entertainment, culture, investment, and employment. Its entry into gaming began in 1974 and led to the opening of what became Portugal's largest casino to date in Portugal. Solverde expanded its operations to include five casino gaming destinations by 2008, with hundreds of casino slots, table games, live entertainment, dining, and more. In 2017, Solverde Group launched its online casino, which expanded to include sports betting in 2020 under the brand. For more information, please visit About Konami Gaming, Inc. Konami Gaming, Inc. is a Las Vegas-based subsidiary of KONAMI GROUP CORPORATION (TSE: 9766). The company is a leading designer and manufacturer of casino games and technology for the global gaming market. For more information about Konami Gaming, Inc. or the SYNKROS® casino management system, please visit View source version on Contacts Media Contact: John EaryVP, Marketing702.835.7246eary0321@ Sign in to access your portfolio
