FEATURE21 August 2023

Inclusive journeys: RNIB research on making transport more accessible

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Harriet Bird; Abigail Plank

Charities Features Impact Inclusion Public Sector Travel UK

Research on the issues facing people with sight loss navigating public transport has highlighted how emotional the experience can be and flagged significant gaps in information provision. RNIB’s Harriet Bird and 2CV’s Abigail Plank outline the challenges and findings of the study, and reflect on the crucial role of co-creation.

Inclusive-journeys

How was your journey today?

Travel is an essential part of everyday life – but it’s not just getting from A to B. It’s about earning an income, catching up with friends and family and exploring new places. It’s the bridge that connects us to the wealth of experiences the world has to offer.

For blind and partially-sighted people (BPSP), travelling independently is a critical factor in improving quality of life and achieving a sense of autonomy. People with sight loss are unable to drive, so for journeys that cannot be made by walking, they rely on public transport, taxis, and lifts from friends and relatives. With a breadth of accessibility issues, however, using public transport can be a daunting experience for people with sight loss. 

Sight loss charity RNIB believes that accessible design is better for everyone: creating solutions to barriers can deliver a greater sense of independence and an improved public transport service for all. With funding from charity Motability, RNIB was able to dig ...