A BUS firm is giving its drivers specific training designed to help blind or partially-sighted passengers in Southampton.

First Bus will begin its training in September in the city working with the Guide Dogs charity.
Drivers will be encouraged to either verbally guide or physically assist customers that may have problems with their sight to their seats, and they will be urged to alert customers when their stop is approaching. 

In training, drivers will also be blindfolded to play the role of a blind passenger and understand their needs.

Chrissie Bainbridge, First’s general manager for Hampshire, said: “We are setting new standards of customer service across our operations in the UK and especially here in Southampton. By improving our customer proposition we will encourage more people to travel by bus and to travel by bus more often.

“As part of our commitment to improve customer service, First Bus nationally and First in Southampton locally will be working with a number of disability groups to understand how we can provide better services.

“I’m delighted that First has partnered with Guide Dogs. Our bespoke driver training programme, designed in conjunction with the charity, will begin in September.

“First Southampton’s drivers will receive the specific training that highlights some of the obstacles people who are blind or partially sighted have to overcome when catching the bus.”

More than 17,000 drivers across the UK will receive the training with steps already taken to make life easier for passengers with disabilities. The firm claims to be the first in the UK to roll out the initiative.

Chrissie added: “All our new buses have been designed with extra space at the front of the bus and fitted with more grab rails, which should provide customers who are blind or partially sighted with a little bit more support and reassurance. We will be working hard to raise awareness that our bus services are accessible.”

Sighted guide ambassador for Guide Dogs Pam Stringer said: “Freedom and independence are a crucial part of life, regardless of how much you can or cannot see. The My Guide scheme from Guide Dogs trains people as sighted guides who can confidently assist people who are blind or partially sighted when out and about.

“Guide Dogs is delighted to work closely with First Bus to provide My Guide training to its staff and hope that this improved service will go a long way in helping those who currently lack the confidence to venture out alone.”