National Express support charity charter

National Express in the West Midlands has signed up to support the Royal National Institute of Blind People’s (RNIB) Bus Charter, which sees providers pledge to ensure that its services are accessible for customers with sight loss. 

Supporting the Charter, it states 13 commitments that the bus provider will make to improve its travel for blind and partially sighted people. 

To mark the commitment a Swap with me event was hosted at National Express’ Walsall bus garage last week (9 March), during which bus drivers and managers swapped places with blind and partially sighted people to learn what it is like to travel with vision impairment. 

Drivers wore simulation specs, providing them with insight of how three common sight problems can affect a person’s vision. They were then guided around the bus with the assistance of an RNIB representative. 

Managing director of National Express West Midlands, Peter Coates, said: “National Express buses are for everyone. Our drivers are all trained to help our disabled customers use the buses safely, easily and confidently. We are very happy to demonstrate our commitment by signing up to the RNIB’s Bus Charter.”