Kingdom MP Willie Rennie has offered his support to a campaign which is seeking to improve the quality of service offered to people with visual impairments on public transport in the UK.

The Liberal Democrats have tabled a Parliamentary motion that urges the Government to legislate for audio-visual announcements to be installed on every new bus in the UK. These announcements would provide passengers with next stop and final destination information.Willie Rennie MP: Dunfermline & West Fife

Supporters of the ‘Talking Buses’ campaign, including the Guide Dogs association and a number of other disability groups, have argued that the lack of information provided on many routes at present is dissuading people with disabilities from using public transport.

Commenting Mr Rennie said:

‘Many disabled people and other vulnerable individuals experience mobility problems and anything that can be done to help them enjoy a full and independent life should be encouraged. The introduction of mandatory audio-visual announcements on public transport would be an important step in this respect.

‘While people with visual impairments stand to benefit most from the measures that the Liberal Democrats have proposed, I know that our local bus services are also a lifeline for many older people in the Kingdom. Making our public transport system more user-friendly would help boost passenger numbers and ensure that everyone is able to use the services that are available with confidence.’

Notes:

1. Link to Early Day Motion entitled “Talking Buses Campaign”

http://edmi.parliament.uk/EDMi/EDMDetails.aspx?EDMID=40079&SESSION=903