Bus firm sets sights on improved service; Blind passengers promised action after depot visit.

Byline: Catherine Evans

BLIND passengers will be offered improved services on Cardiff buses after highlighting their problems with public transport.

Sight-impaired travellers were invited to test out a new fleet of vehicles at the pounds 30m-a-year company's depot in Sloper Road, Canton, to help improve their confidence.

Members of the Cardiff Institute for the Blind (CIB) have been in talks with Cardiff Bus for several months to resolve problems with public transport in the city.

The move was designed to offer the customers a chance to feel their way around the vehicles so they will be more confident in using them in the future. Among the vehicles on display were a new double decker and one of the articulated bendy vehicles.

Cardiff Bus service delivery manager Simon Mohammed said: "The visit was part of the ongoing dialogue Cardiff Bus is having with the CIB to improve the level of service its members receive when using our vehicles.

"It is crucial to Cardiff Bus that all its customers feel comfortable and at ease when using our service and this visit was the latest step in engaging with the CIB to see where improvements can be made in the future."

Following the visit, Cardiff Bus has agreed to send regular service updates to the CIB's dedicated talking newspaper and promised to make all its drivers aware of the issues some of its customers face.

Access auditor Anita Davies said: "Issues we covered included the need for better signage at bus stops, audio information on buses, better driver awareness of the needs of blind and partially-sighted passengers and communicat-inchanges in bus routes and timetables to our members.

"This hands-on approach is very welcome and we look forward to working closely with Cardiff Bus to institute change."

Carys Henry, head of services at the CIB, said: "We are encouraged that Cardiff Bus has started to engage with us to improve the bus service for people with sight problems.

"This is an important first step and there is a long way to go, including better signage, visual awareness training for drivers and the need for onboard audio announcements. We are keen for Cardiff Bus to keep this momentum up, these improvements are long overdue."