Bus drivers offered VI awareness training

Free resources for bus drivers to better support visually impaired passengers

Guide Dogs and the Thomas Pocklington Trust (TPT) have joined together to provide free vision impairment (VI) awareness training for bus and coach drivers.

The programme aims to equip drivers and operators with the skills to support passengers with sight loss.

The resources offer insights into the challenges passengers may face, guidance on clear communication and steps on how to guide someone who is blind or partially sighted when needed. 

Alison, a Sight Loss Council volunteer, said: “As I can’t see the bus coming, I start to feel anxious as to whether it’s going to see me and stop for me, because what I don’t want to be is late for work.

“Letting me know the bus number and destination increases my confidence when travelling, as I know I’m on the right bus, and I’m not going to be late for work. 

“And the driver really helped me when they offered to scan my bus pass, as I’m never quite sure where the machine is, as they’re in different places on different buses.”

Carlie Haigh, sighted guide services manager at Guide Dogs, said: “We know that public bus services are one of the most affordable and used local public transport services by people with a vision impairment, enabling many to get out and about independently.

“Having drivers with the right skills to support passengers can make a huge difference. Working together with TPT, we will be able to provide many more bus drivers with the tools and knowledge to ensure everyone can travel with greater confidence.”

The training was built alongside people with lived experience of sight loss and co-produced by Brighton & Hove Buses and Bus Users UK, to ensure the guidance is effective for drivers.

Jen Sweeney, corporate engagement manager at TPT, added: “We’re delighted to welcome Guide Dogs as a partner. Their expertise will help us extend our reach to even more bus operators, equipping drivers with the confidence to better support blind and partially sighted passengers – championing truly accessible travel for all.”

The training resources are free for all bus drivers to access through the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency’s Driving for Better Business site. Bus and coach operators can register their interest by contacting or request more information by contacting jen.sweeney@pocklington.org.uk