Transport chiefs have failed to do more to tackle bus, train and tram accessibility for blind and partially-sighted residents in the region.
Guide Dog: CARL DE SOUZA / Stringer at gettyimages.co.uk
Yasmin Qureshi, MP for Bolton South East, said: “More needs to be done for our communities here in the north because we have a London-centric transport system that leaves few examples that provide quality and round journey accessibility, like Audio-Visual announcements, outside of London.
“There is a lack of clear, audible information that is limiting access for many blind and partially-sighted people which should be a requirement on all new buses, trains and trams."
The 'Talking Buses’ campaign launched by the Guide Dogs charity highlights the significant barriers that still exist for the visually-impaired and calls on the industry to make more progress improving accessibility.
Transport for Greater Manchester has made some inroads increasing accessibility, in partnership with Henshaws by providing a ‘Bus Hailer’ flip chart that notifies drivers of those who need additional assistance. These can be collected free-of-charge from bus station Travel Shops.