Welcome to Yorkshire
News • September 17th, 2026
|Blind and partially sighted people across Yorkshire are set to enjoy improved bus journeys thanks to a new partnership between the Thomas Pocklington Trust (TPT) and Guide Dogs. This collaboration aims to make public transport more accessible and welcoming for those with vision impairments, addressing some of the common challenges faced during travel.
Training For Bus Drivers
Recently, TPT and the West Yorkshire Sight Loss Council launched the first Bus Driver Vision Awareness Training session at Arriva Yorkshire’s Dewsbury bus depot. Sixteen bus drivers participated in this important initiative, which combines the real experiences of blind and partially sighted individuals with practical training in guiding techniques.
Inside a bus, a person wearing a high-visibility orange vest and a vision-impairment simulation blindfold is seated and holding a grab pole while taking part in an accessibility awareness exercise. Another person in a high-visibility vest stands nearby, providing guidance. The bus interior features blue seats, handrails, and large windows.
A person wearing a high-visibility orange safety vest and a blindfold-style vision-impairment simulation visor is being guided onto a bus by another person wearing a high-visibility vest. The pair stand at the open bus doorway in a depot yard, demonstrating accessibility awareness and assisted boarding procedures. 
Several red double-decker buses are parked inside a large bus depot with a high metal roof and exposed steel beams. The training is designed to equip bus drivers and operators with the skills needed to assist visually impaired passengers better. By learning about common eye conditions, effective communication, and sighted guiding methods, drivers can create a more inclusive environment for everyone.
Why This Matters
For many blind and partially sighted individuals, buses are essential for accessing work, education, healthcare, and social activities. Unfortunately, barriers such as identifying the right bus, knowing when it arrives, and finding a seat can make journeys daunting. This can lead to a loss of confidence and independence.
Identifying the bus: Knowing which bus to board can be challenging without clear announcements or visual cues.
Finding a seat: Once on board, locating a seat can be difficult, especially in crowded spaces.
Asking for help: Many feel hesitant to ask for assistance, which can lead to feelings of isolation.
Kelle McParland, Sighted Guide Training Officer for Guide Dogs in the North of England, highlighted these challenges, saying, "For many people with sight loss, catching the bus can feel overwhelming." She emphasised how this training aims to help drivers build the confidence to support blind and partially sighted passengers, making bus journeys more accessible and welcoming.
Feedback From Participants
The training session received positive feedback from both the drivers and participants. Iain Mitchell, Senior Engagement Manager at TPT, noted that the partnership with Guide Dogs has allowed for a broader reach across Yorkshire and Humberside:
“This training highlights to bus drivers how vital their role is in providing a positive experience for all visually impaired passengers.”
Kevin Lowe, Sites Manager for Arriva Yorkshire, shared his appreciation for the training, explaining that it combined classroom learning with practical exercises. This approach gave drivers a real insight into the experiences of their customers and increased their confidence in supporting people with sight loss while respecting their independence.
Cathy Featherstone, a regular bus user from Halifax, expressed her optimism about the training's impact:
“Knowing drivers will better understand how to help someone with a vision impairment will make a real difference and give me more confidence to travel independently.”
Plans to extend
Following the success of the Dewsbury session, TPT plans to extend the Bus Driver Vision Awareness Training to additional depots and operators across Yorkshire and beyond. The ongoing support from Guide Dogs will play a crucial role in creating a more inclusive bus network.
