New accessible bus shelter design shaped by the lived experience of Sight Loss Council volunteers
A newly designed bus shelter has launched in Essex, shaped by the lived experience of blind and partially sighted passengers.
The new shelter, which is part of Bauer Media Outdoor (BMO) UK’s novel Milestone range of bus shelters, debuted following a collaboration between the media owner and Sight Loss Council (SLC) volunteers from Essex, Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire, and Merseyside who played a key role in shaping how the shelters look, feel and function.
As part of the collaboration, SLC members visited BMO’s depot to review and evaluate three proposed shelter designs. Volunteers provided detailed feedback on key accessibility features, including real-time travel information, seating comfort, lighting, and the overall design and usability of the shelters.
They also provided feedback on the placement of decals on glass panels, which serve as visual markers that help indicate the presence of glass.
Sight Loss Council volunteers in discussion with Bauer representatives during their site visit
In addition, SLC volunteers suggested incorporating colourful and fragrant natural flowers into the shelter’s Living Roof provision. This would not only enhance the visual contrast for partially sighted individuals but also offer a distinctive sensory cue for blind people to help identify and differentiate between bus shelters through scent.
Volunteers welcomed the opportunity to influence the design process, highlighting the importance of inclusive infrastructure that reflects real-world needs.
Examples of changes following the session include:
- Improved placement of the text-to-speech button
- Clearly contrasting armrests to support navigation and seating
- Enhanced contrast on timetable cases to improve readability
Lived experience driving accessible bus shelter design
Merseyside SLC member, SLC’s Transport Representative, said:
“It felt very positive to work with an organisation actively seeking the views of blind and partially sighted bus passengers with lived experience of sight loss. We hope our recommendations will continue to lead to more inclusive, practical, and comfortable bus shelters. Sight Loss Councils look forward to continuing to engage with stakeholders in shaping the future direction of travel in relation to public transport.”
Amy Askew, Sight Loss Council Engagement Manager for the East of England, attended the launch event on 15 October. She added:
“Everyone in attendance was impressed by the sustainable, accessible bus shelters. Congratulations to Bauer Media for working alongside Sight Loss Councils to bring these shelters to life. We look forward to continuing our partnership with them.
“This collaboration demonstrates the power of lived experience in shaping public spaces that work for everyone.”
Neil Chapman, Product Design Director at Bauer Media Outdoor, said:
“Designing infrastructure that works for everyone means listening to the people who use it. The insight shared by Sight Loss Council volunteers has been invaluable in helping us refine the shelter design to improve accessibility, comfort and confidence for blind and partially sighted passengers. This project reflects our commitment to inclusive design and to working closely with communities to create public spaces that are practical, welcoming and accessible.”
Image of a redesigned bus shelter in Essex, featuring the key updates described above
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: 10 February 2026