Improving Bus Travel Accessibility in Merseyside for Blind and Partially Sighted People
Merseyside Sight Loss Council (SLC) has partnered with Arriva North West to improve bus travel accessibility for blind and partially sighted people. The collaboration, which began earlier this year, has already seen SLC volunteers visit all Arriva depots across Merseyside to share lived-experience insights with drivers and staff.
This work complements a national initiative led by Thomas Pocklington Trust and Sight Loss Councils across the UK, which provides driver awareness training to help transport staff better understand and support passengers with sight loss.
Kelly Barton, Engagement Manager for North West England, boarding a bus with a driver in simulation glasses
Merseyside SLC volunteers have played a key role in shaping the work. During visits to the depots in Runcorn, Bootle, St Helens, Speke, and Birkenhead, SLC members shared their experiences of travelling by bus with managers, drivers, and staff. Staff had the opportunity to board buses using simulation glasses, which replicate common eye conditions, and navigate many challenges – such as finding a seat and knowing where to place their passes.
Mick Sprigs, said:
“If Arriva take on board all our hard work, bus travel will be a lot safer and more enjoyable. This is the start of a great partnership.”
Mike Wright, added:
“This work will help drivers better understand the issues blind and partially sighted people face – especially boarding and route awareness where no audio-visual announcements are available.”
Kelly Barton, Engagement Manager for North West England, said:
“Arriva have been fantastic to work with. Everyone we’ve met has wanted to listen and learn, but they have also shared their experiences as bus drivers too. I think it’s really important that we understand how it is from their perspective.
“This is a great partnership we have forged, and we are really looking forward to it continuing.”
Kelly Barton, Mick Spriggs, Neil Atherton and an Arriva bus driver on-board a stationary bus
Tom Sunley, Head of Service Delivery for Arriva North West and Wales, said:
“From being approached by Thomas Pocklington Trust and the Sight Loss Council earlier in the year to now, I feel the relationship we are building is incredible.
“Hearing the impact of the visits to the depots, the training material being used in our driver training modules, and the conversations and awareness that this relationship is raising among our team is really making significant strides in our ability as a business to accommodate those who require our help. It’s fantastic to witness our driving teams engage with the charity, share their experiences and grown their knowledge.
“I’m really hopeful that we can continue to work with Merseyside Sight Loss Council on new initiatives to make bus journeys better and easier for passengers who are blind or partially sighted.”
Neil Atherton, also from Arriva North West, who coordinated and supported the visits added:
“I have had the privilege of working with the Sight Loss Council team and showing them around our Merseyside sites. This has honestly been one of the best experiences I have ever been part of. I always thought I was good at understanding and supporting our customers, but working with Kelly and the team has truly made me think differently – they’ve made me a better person, and I’ve made friends for life.”
Mike Wright, SLC member, is sat on a bus with an Arriva bus driver who is wearing simulation glasses
Merseyside Sight Loss Council and Arriva will continue to work together on further training and joint initiatives to make bus travel more accessible, safer, and more inclusive for blind and partially sighted people.
Access our national training materials
Passionate about making a difference for blind and partially sighted people?
Want to influence positive change in your community? Sight Loss Councils, led by blind and partially sighted volunteers, are recruiting new members across the UK.
Our volunteers use their lived experience to create positive change for others. Together, we tackle local issues and work with businesses and service providers to improve the accessibility of their services.
See where we’re currently recruiting and how you can get involved.
Publication date: 18 December 2025