Do you have a visual impairment?

The RNIB has information about the types of services which can make journeys easier for visually impaired travellers. Some hints and tips are below to help you plan your journey.

Travelling on a bus

Bus travel for free!

In England, blind or partially sighted people can get a free bus pass for off-peak travel in your local area (off-peak means 9.30am Monday to Friday and all day weekends and bank holidays). In some areas, such as Manchester, you can also get free travel on trams.

More information about free travel, including how to apply, is available on the DirectGov website.

Before you start your journey

Familiarise yourself with the route to your local bus stop and find out the numbers of the buses that run from that stop.

Before you leave, you might be able to check the timetable on the bus company’s website, this will save a lot of waiting around! Or, you could ask the local bus company if they provide timetables in an alternative format or if they have a telephone service which gives the times of the buses.

At the bus stop

Ask a member of the public to tell you when the bus is coming. If no-one is there, you can stop the bus yourself by holding out your bus pass or a card which has the word “bus” in bold black letters.

The RNIB can send you a “bus card” if you call their Helpline on 0845 766 9999.
When the bus arrives, either ask a member of the public or the bus driver to tell you the number of the bus.

On the bus

You can ask the driver to tell you when you reach your destination. Try to sit at the front of the bus, near the driver, so you will be able to hear him or her tell you when you reach your destination.

Although, if you are travelling with a guide dog, you may need to move down the bus, so you sit where there is enough room for your dog to fit under the seat.

Travelling on a train

Planning your train journey

Make sure that you have the correct times of the trains and find out if you will need to change trains on the journey. You can get this information from your local station or National Rail Enquiries (telephone 08457 48 49 50 or National Rail website).

Buying your ticket in advance and reserving a seat

It is a lot easier if you buy your ticket in advance and reserve yourself a seat. You can do this over the telephone or using the Internet and tickets will be sent to you beforehand or you can buy tickets at a train station.

If you are a guide dog owner, try and reserve a seat that has plenty of room for the dog. Or you could explain that you’ll be travelling with a guide dog and ask to reserve two seats so you have enough room.

How to get cheaper train fares

Blind or partially sighted people are entitled to a Disabled Persons’ Railcard which costs £14. This entitles you, and a sighted guide, to travel at two-thirds the cost of the normal fare. You can get one by filling in a form at your local train station.

Cheaper travel is also available without a Railcard but you must travel with a companion and be registered as severely sight impaired (blind) and sight impaired (partially sighted).

Arranging assistance at the train station

You can arrange for a member of staff to assist you onto the train, you can do this when you book. It’s a good idea to agree on a definite place to meet them, for example by the coffee bar or main entrance.

Some companies need at least 24 hours notice to ensure that someone will be available, so the more notice you can give the better. You can also book assistance for the whole journey. Contact National Rail Enquiries on telephone 08457 48 49 50 for more information.

On the train

You can ask the person assisting you to store your luggage out of the way – but make sure you know where they’ve put it!

If you want to use the buffet car, you could ask a member of staff to show you the way or ask them to bring you food or drink at your seat.

Changing trains

When you start your journey, find out how many stops it will be before you need to get off. You could ask the guard on the train if any stations are closed along the route, so you can count the correct amount of stops. Or you could ask him or her to come and tell you when the station is coming up.

When you book your tickets allow plenty of time between connections and ask for assistance to help you off the train, and onto the next one.

Arriving at your destination

When you arrive at your destination, remain in your seat if you have arranged for someone to help you off the train. Or, ask a member of staff or the public to help you off, and help you with your luggage.

Make sure you have all your luggage with you. It might be useful to label your bags and know what colour they are so that you can ask someone to find them for you. If it is not possible to get a friend or relative to meet you at the platform, ask the station staff to help you to get a taxi to your final destination.