Catch the Bus Month: Helping every blind and partially sighted passenger feel seen, supported and confident
For a blind or partially sighted passenger, a driver who stops, speaks and offers the right support can transform an uncertain journey into an independent one. This Catch the Bus Month, Thomas Pocklington Trust (TPT) and its volunteer-led Sight Loss Councils (SLCs), in partnership with Guide Dogs, are urging bus and coach operators to put that experience at the heart of driver training.
Running throughout September, Catch the Bus Month is a timely opportunity for operators to show how accessible service builds passenger confidence. TPT, SLCs, and Guide Dogs are calling on operators and trainers to use free, ready-to-deliver resources that help drivers respond confidently and consistently, making inclusion part of the everyday passenger experience.
Created with blind and partially sighted people and Brighton & Hove Buses and Metrobus, the free Vision Impairment Awareness for Bus Drivers resources bring passengers’ lived experiences into the training room. Three videos narrated by Paralympic gold medallist Lora Fachie OBE, practical guidance, top tips and a 90-minute presentation give drivers clear actions they can use on every shift, summed up by: “See and Stop, Speak and Support”. As part of its partnership with TPT, Guide Dogs, along with volunteers from SLCs, are providing in person training to drivers throughout the UK so they can get first-hand experience and guidance on how best to support BPS passengers.
For operators, the package combines human insight with straightforward implementation. It meets Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency standards for Driver Certificate of Professional Competence and appears in the Confederation of Passenger Transport’s compliance manual. CPT members account for 95% of local bus services and 60% of coach operators across the UK, while CPC eligibility means the resources can reach more than 500,000 professional drivers. In July, the programme won the Bus Centre of Excellence Bus Initiative of the Year at the Chartered Institute of Highways & Transportation Awards 2026.
TPT Chief Executive Officer, Charles Colquhoun, said: “Providing accessible travel makes a world of difference to blind and partially sighted passengers. It gives our community the independence to travel freely that many others take for granted. TPT and SLC’s driver training has proven how collaboration and training can help create a more inclusive transport network, enabling more people to travel confidently and safely.”
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. We’re proud to be working together with TPT to reach even more bus drivers and equip them with the tools and knowledge to help drive real change for passengers with sight loss.”
Victoria Garcia, Accessibility and Communities Manager at Brighton & Hove Buses and Metrobus, said: “Co-designed with blind and partially sighted people, and grounded in operational best practice, these practical resources help drivers build confidence and make bus travel more accessible for everyone.”
Hansi Jackson, Head of Learning and Development at First Bus, said: “We’re grateful to TPT for sharing expertise and lived experience, helping our drivers support blind and partially sighted passengers every day.”
Charles Wright, Stakeholder Correspondence Manager at DVSA, said: “By bringing together voluntary groups, industry, regulators and passengers, the project has created an invaluable resource to improve accessibility and enhance bus driver training. It demonstrates how collaboration can turn complex challenges into scalable sustainable solutions.”
Keith McNally, CPT Operations Director, said: “The training will enhance drivers’ ability to identify, assist and support customers, giving blind and partially sighted people greater confidence when travelling.