Transport

Equal Access to Transport

We are here to make journeys fair. Thomas Pocklington Trust campaigns so blind and partially sighted people can travel with confidence. Barriers are not inevitable, they are fixable, and together, we are fixing them.

Why it matters

50% of people with a vision impairment find it difficult to navigate transport.
Blind and partially sighted people rely on buses, trains, trams and taxis every day. Yet despite the Equality Act 2010, barriers persist – making it hard to access essential services and participate fully in society.

We are determined to break down these obstacles and advocate for a more accessible transportation system. Together, we can raise awareness, drive change and create a seamless, inclusive experience for all.

“On public transport, hailing a bus and accessing timetable information can be tricky due to inaccessible apps and websites. Trains are generally more accessible thanks to Passenger Assistance, but navigating train stations can still prove hazardous”
Dave, A blind passenger

“50% of people with a vision impairment find it difficult to navigate transport, but together, we can change this reality”
Mike Bell, Head of Public Affairs and Campaigns

Our current focus – Making bus travel accessible

Buses are lifelines. Yet too often, they are unpredictable and inaccessible – especially when audio is not working or driver training falls short.

What needs to change now:

  • Reliable AV announcements – every bus, every stop – no exceptions.
  • Consistent layouts and signage – predictable, clearly marked spaces.
  • Safe boarding – tactile cues and space for guide dogs.
  • Driver training – practical, lived-experience-led awareness. All five of the UK’s major bus operators have, or are in the process of, adopting elements of our resources, reaching an estimated 70% of drivers during the Driver Certificate of Professional Competence cycle.

Read more about our award winning bus driver training

Read more about our award winning bus driver training

How we’re driving change:

  • Policy and standards – mandatory AV and compliance monitoring.
  • Operator partnerships – co-design solutions and publish progress.
  • Lived experience – Sight Loss Councils lead the charge. Read more about SLC.
  • Public awareness – stories and guidance that make accessibility non-negotiable.

 

Get involved

Join your local Sight Loss Council

Shape decisions and make local transport work for everyone.
Find out more about your local Sight Loss Council

Partner with us

Are you a transport operator or policymaker? Let us raise the bar together.
Partner with us

Bus Centre of Excellence awards 2025 winners logo. A dark green circle with the words 'Bus Centre of Excellence AWARDS 2025' inside the circle. From the left extends a neon green ribbon. At the bottom of the logo are the words 'WINNER' and 'The BCoE Collaboration Award.

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