David Amess MP gets on board with Guide Dogs' Talking Buses campaign

Southend West MP David Amess has pledged his support for Guide Dogs’ ‘Talking Buses’ campaign, at an event held by the charity to raise awareness of how Talking Buses – which clearly announce the next stop and final destination – make bus travel easier and safer for passengers. 

Guide Dogs has found that many disabled and elderly people cannot use buses independently and with confidence for fear of being stranded at the wrong stop. They are often left feeling anxious and unsafe, and some give up using the bus altogether.

The charity is calling for all buses in the UK to have audible as well as visible announcements on-board, similar to those on trains. It is urging the government to make it compulsory for audio-visual (AV) information systems to be installed on all new buses and coaches. It is also encouraging councils and bus operators to look at providing systems on existing vehicles to improve the accessibility and quality of services for local people.

Guide Dogs’ Talking Buses campaign has the support of 24 national disability organisations. David Amess, who supports many organisations representing elderly people and those with disabilities, both nationally and locally, said: “Talking Buses would greatly enhance the independence and confidence of many people who might otherwise be apprehensive about, or unwilling to use, public transport. I fully support Guide Dogs’ campaign.”