21-05-2025
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.
