Lived experiences from the platform: Kate and Peter’s story
For many blind and partially sighted people, using public transport can feel daunting – especially when faced with unfamiliar routes, inconsistent accessibility, and the fear of the unknown. But for Hampshire Sight Loss Council (SLC) volunteers Kate and Peter, regular travel has become a powerful way to build confidence, independence, and connection.
In this blog, they share their personal experiences of navigating the public transport system, the barriers they’ve overcome, the small changes that can make a big difference. They also discuss what still needs to improve – to make rail travel more accessible.
Overcoming fears of travel
“As members of Hampshire Sight Loss Council (SLC), our lived experiences of traveling on public transport are varied. Many people who have sight loss are frightened to travel independently due to a lack of confidence and the uncertainty of traveling into the unknown. We have found that, by traveling regularly, we have been able to overcome the barriers and fears of traveling. Building a rapport with local station staff has made traveling by train more pleasurable because they get to know you and how best to help you.
First steps: getting to the station
“When considering the accessibility of a train station, often the first barrier is getting there, from home to the front door of the station, and from the bus stop to the inside of the station. Having systems in place, such as talking buses and passenger assistance, works well if you are a frequent traveller and know how to access these. All these developments have made traveling easier and less stressful.
SLC member Clinton pushing a button to open the trains doors
Making improvements
“One area we feel could make traveling even easier is better integration of all public transport. A good example of this is the interchange at Bournemouth between the train station and buses that take you into the town centre or further afield.
“When traveling as a blind or partially sighted person, we find it easier if there is clear, accessible signage and clearly defined areas of use. Level access when boarding trains makes it more accessible for everyone. Having tactile paving along the platform edge has made us feel safer, so when traveling independently, we are less likely to have a mishap on the edge of the platform. Having the option to use an app to book passenger assistance and being able to turn up and go means that we have more freedom.”
Learn more about our work to Make Transport Accessible.
Publication date: 03 September 2025