News Release (25 July 2006):
New accessibility Guidelines for passenger information
New national Guidelines were published today detailing how public transport information systems should take account of the needs of disabled passengers.
The Guidelines are published by the Real Time Information Group (RTIG) a national forum which brings together local authorities, bus operators and the systems industry. They are part of a broad package of technical standards and advice on the effective use of technology in public transport, making it more convenient and reliable for everyone.
"There is more to public transport than simply vehicles and the places they stop at," said Neil Betteridge, Chairman of the Disabled Persons Transport Advisory Committee. "Travellers also need to know what's running, where it goes, and whether it's on time, and this information needs to be accessible to those with sensory and learning difficulties. We believe that these Guidelines will help pave the way to significant improvements in the accessibility of UK public transport services".
The Guidelines drew upon both existing guidance and experience with new systems, with direct input from disability groups. The focus is on practicality - and it is expected that a number of schemes around the country will need to review their systems.
The Guidelines are applicable to all sizes of operation. Their development was partly sponsored by Brighton and Hove City Council, which has pioneered some innovative developments of facilities for the visually impaired. At the other end of the scale, London Buses has also been a major contributor, and will be making these Guidelines an integral part of its £117 million iBus project.
RTIG will monitor the use of these Guidelines over the coming years. "We want to do something that is of real value," said Leslie Knoop, project manager for the work. "That means we need to know how widely schemes are in fact using the Guidelines, and whether disabled travellers value the impact. If we get this right, everybody will be a winner."
Notes for editors:
1. The Guidelines are available free of charge:
2. RTIG works to help the development and usage of technology in public transport. It is a membership organisation funded partly by subscription, and partly through project work. Further information on RTIG is available at: www.rtig.org.uk, or via the RTIG Secretariat at: rtig@centaurconsulting.co.uk.
3. The work was led by Centaur Consulting Ltd., which provides management services to RTIG, with original research from TRL Ltd. Further information is available from: leslie.knoop@centaurconsulting.co.uk.
4. The work was supported by funding from the Department for Transport, the Scottish Executive and the Welsh Assembly Government, under the Transport Direct initiative.
5. As well as RTIG members, contributors to the Guidelines included the Department for Transport's Mobility and Inclusion Unit, the Disabled Persons Transport Advisory Committee, the Mobility and Access Committee for Scotland, the Royal National Institute for the Blind, the Royal National Institute for Deaf People, and the Guide Dogs for the Blind Association.
6. The contact point for Brighton and Hove developments is Sue Westwood of Brighton and Hove City Council (susan.westwood@brighton-hove.gov.uk). The contact point for London developments is Judith Adams of Transport for London (JudithAdams@tfl.gov.uk).
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