RNIB has recognised Brighton and Hove City Council's commitment to talking bus stops with an exemplar award. This recognises that their approach could be emulated by other providers in order to improve access to transport for blind and partially sighted people.
About Brighton and Hove City Council transport services
Brighton and Hove City Council's transport, traffic and road safety schemes are geared towards helping residents, businesses and visitors to get around the city efficiently and safely. The Council wants to give people more choice in how they travel and make it easy for everyone, whether they're walking, cycling, driving, riding, using public transport, or even skating, blading and scooting.
Introducing talking bus stops
Many people with sight loss can find it difficult to identify which bus stop they need, or which bus to flag down. Getting accurate and timely travel information when using public transport can also be a huge challenge.
Brighton and Hove City Council wanted to make sure the information on their bus stop display signs was available in an audio as well as visual format. They instantly recognised the accessibility benefits of the system, and working with RNIB, led the way by being the first council to introduce talking bus stops.
How do they work?
People using the scheme have a battery-operated RNIB React key fob, which alerts them when they are near one of the talking bus stops. By pressing the fob, the bus stop 'talks' to them, giving them details of which services are due, and where they are going to.
RNIB's React talking sign system can either be used in a city or town centre setting to provide basic location based information. It can also be used in conjunction with real time passenger information (RTI) display signs at bus stops.
Find out more about the RNIB React system.
Promotion is key
Following extensive user trials and feedback, the installation was formally launched in August 2007 at 20 bus stops in Brighton and two in East Sussex
The Council put a lot of energy into promoting the installation of the RNIB React system. Methods of promotion included:
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the council website
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council newsletters
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press releases to local media
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articles in disability group newsletters
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transport related events.
Additional funding has now enabled a further 20 talking bus stops to be installed across the City, taking the total number of units to 42.
Long term commitment
Brighton and Hove's commitment to the system is evidenced by its commitment to monitoring and maintaining it. This has been acknowledged by the industry, with the bus stops winning several national awards for innovation and promotion of accessibility.
Find out about RNIB React locations across the country.
Are your services exemplary too?
We want to celebrate more best practice and we are keen to hear from transport providers who believe they have a service which is already going that extra mile for blind and partially sighted people. Get in touch with us to share your best practice.
Tel: 01733 37 53 45
Email: transport@rnib.org.uk