Press Release 16 March 2010
David Hamilton MP gets on board with Guide Dogs' Talking Buses campaign
Midlothian MP calls for buses and coaches to have audible as well as visual announcements about next stop and final destination
Midlothian MP David Hamilton has pledged his support for Guide Dogs' 'Talking Buses' campaign, at an event held by the charity to raise awareness of how Talking Buses - which clearly announce the next stop and final destination - make bus travel easier and safer for passengers.
Guide Dogs has found that many disabled and elderly people cannot use buses independently and with confidence for fear of being stranded at the wrong stop. They are often left feeling anxious and unsafe, and some give up using the bus altogether.
The charity is calling for all buses in the UK to have audible as well as visible announcements on-board, similar to those on trains. It is urging the government to make it compulsory for audio-visual (AV) information systems to be installed on all new buses and coaches. It is also encouraging councils and bus operators to look at providing systems on existing vehicles to improve the accessibility and quality of services for local people.
People can find out more about Guide Dogs' 'Talking Buses' campaign, and lend their own voices, by visiting
www.guidedogs.org.uk/talkingbuses.
For further media information on Guide Dogs or the campaign, please contact Hannah Robertson in Guide Dogs' Press Office on 0118 983 8266. Website:
www.guidedogs.org.uk.
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