Sight loss charities have hailed plans from Transport Scotland to launch a pilot scheme providing free rail travel for blind and partially-sighted people and their helpers.
Joe Tottenham, a 92-year-old member of charity Sight Scotland Veterans, said: “Knowing no matter where I’m going in Scotland that my companion can travel with me at no extra cost will change my life.
“As a blind person, having someone to help me get on and off the train is vital – I’d be lost without them.”
Hussein Patwa, who has vision impairment and is a member of sister charity Sight Scotland’s policy group, said: ”Providing free travel to companions accompanying blind people carrying a valid entitlement card will offer them the much-needed support they need to promote rehabilitation, remain independent for longer, and ensure they can maintain and enhance links with their communities as well as travel for work, school, leisure or to access services.
“It will also narrow the inequalities caused by the current cost barriers to transport for those accompanying blind people, who must currently pay full fare despite their supporting role.”
Sight Scotland and Sight Scotland Veterans launched the Fair Rail Campaign two years ago. Chief executive Craig Spalding said: “For most people living with a visual impairment, public transport is the only means they have to make journeys around the country. Unfortunately for many travelling without a companion is just not an option, and the costs to pay fares is too much.
“This news will be transformative, both in terms of inclusivity and affordability, and we would like to commend Transport Scotland for actively listening to a segment of society that is regrettably overlooked far too often.”
Graham Simpson MSP, shadow minister for transport, welcomed the move and added: “The Scottish Government must now commit to ensuring there is a nationwide scheme as soon as possible.”
Sight Scotland and Sight Scotland Veterans said many people with sight loss had previously been confused by the various concessionary and companion schemes which operate in different areas.
For more details, visit FairRail.