InFocus has teamed up with Stagecoach to offer the opportunity for our young people, with visual impairments, to explore and become familiar with bus travel.

The bus which arrived at the InFocus campus enabled our young people to explore and become familiar with the layout of buses. The interactive session enabled participants to re-enact real-life bus scenarios, offering invaluable insights and practical skills for independent travel.

Alison Heath, Mobility Specialist at InFocus commented: “For individuals with vision impairments, catching public transport can often feel daunting. However, through this session, our young people have practised boarding the bus, scanning a bus pass, communicating with the driver, and finding a seat – enabling them to develop the confidence necessary to live more independently.”

Neil Herraghty, Assistant Operations Manager for Stagecoach in Exeter said: “For Stagecoach it is important for everyone to feel comfortable, able and safe to travel on our buses. It’s a great way to give back to the local community in which we operate by partnering with InFocus encouraging young people to become confident in using public transport.”

In addition to this initiative, Stagecoach is proactively adapting to new legislative requirements aimed at enhancing accessibility for individuals with visual impairments. Recent legislation mandates the inclusion of next stop announcements in all new buses, a crucial step towards improving accessibility for those with eyesight issues. Furthermore, Stagecoach drivers undergo comprehensive CPC training, including modules focused on diversity and inclusion, ensuring that they are equipped to provide a welcoming and inclusive experience for all passengers.