Bus Driver Awareness Training Wins National Industry Award

Date posted: 7th July 2026

Thomas Pocklington Trust and Sight Loss Councils are celebrating a national industry award for their Bus Driver Vision Awareness Training. 

The programme won Bus Initiative of the Year at the Chartered Institution of Highways & Transportation (CIHT) Awards 2026. 

The award recognises the impact of the training, which was developed with blind and partially sighted volunteers to help bus and coach drivers better support passengers with sight loss.

Collecting the award on behalf of Thomas Pocklington Trust and Sight Loss Councils, Dave Smith, Engagement Manager for South East England, said:

“I’m incredibly proud to have accepted the Bus Initiative of the Year Award. It’s fantastic to see this training recognised by transport professionals from across the sector and to demonstrate what can be achieved when organisations work together to make transport more accessible.” 

Dave Smith, Engagement Manager for South East England, stands on stage with a CIHT Awards presenter. Dave is wearing a black tuxedo and holding a long cane, while the presenter is wearing a green dress. A dark curtain forms the backdrop, with stage lighting visible to one side. Dave and the presenter are holding a framed award and trophy and smiling for the camera.

Dave Smith receives the Bus Initiative of the Year award at the CIHT Awards 2026.

Emma Hughes, Director of Services for Thomas Pocklington Trust, said:  

“This award recognises the strength of collaboration and the value of lived experience in shaping services. Our Sight Loss Council volunteers have been at the heart of this work, helping to create training that gives drivers the knowledge and confidence to better support blind and partially sighted passengers.  

“We are delighted to see the project recognised by the transport sector and look forward to building on its success to make travel more accessible for everyone.” 

Charles Wright, Stakeholder Correspondence Manager, DVSA, added:  

“By bringing together voluntary groups, industry, regulators, and passengers, this project has created an invaluable resource to improve accessibility and enhance bus drivers training. It demonstrates how collaboration can turn complex challenges into scalable, sustainable solutions.”   

Recognition for lived experience and collaboration 

The training is built around the lived experience of blind and partially sighted people. It helps drivers understand the small actions that can make a big difference to a passenger’s journey and independence.

The CIHT recognition marks another milestone for the project, which has already received multiple industry accolades. Alongside winning Bus Initiative of the Year, the project was also commended in the Equality, Diversity and Inclusion category at this year’s awards.

This latest success reflects the dedication of Sight Loss Council volunteers, whose experiences and insights have shaped the resources from the very beginning.

As the project continues to grow through new partnerships and opportunities, the focus remains the same. Helping make bus travel more accessible, inclusive and welcoming for blind and partially sighted people across the UK.

A huge thank you to all the volunteers, partners and staff who have contributed to the project and helped make this achievement possible.

Find out more 

Learn more about ouraward-winning Bus Driver Vision Awareness Training and resources for operators and trainers on our dedicated web page.

Graphic from the CIHT Awards 2026 featuring a gold circular badge with the text “CIHT Awards 2026”. Below, the graphic reads “Commended – Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Award” in dark blue and teal text. The design includes blue and teal chevron-style shapes on a black background.

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