Building a better future: Vix and partners explore social value initiatives

08 August 2024,

Explore the role of social value initiatives at Vix and how we are building a better future. By highlighting our partnerships with charities and organisations like Translink, we aim to show how these collaborations contribute to meaningful social impact. 

At Vix, our commitment extends beyond transit solutions – we’re committed to creating a real difference in the communities we serve. Our social value projects aim to make  a positive impact, and we’re excited to share how our efforts are helping to create a more inclusive future for everyone. 

Partnership with Translink

Our collaboration with our long-standing customer Translink is based on improving public transportation and fostering community well-being. As the public transport operator for Northern Ireland, Translink takes its responsibility seriously to serve its communities and make a positive contribution to society. 

Together, we’ve worked on several impactful initiatives aimed at enhancing the overall transit experience and promoting sustainable mobility options for all individuals in our region.

Achievements:

• Community engagement: We actively involve local communities in shaping the future of their transit network through educational programs and events.
• Passenger focus: By understanding passenger requirements, we have introduced improvements that make travel more convenient and enjoyable.
• Closing gender gaps: Through targeted initiatives and partnerships, we are working to close gender gaps, support women in transit-related careers, and ensure equal opportunities for all.

NOW Group: Transforming Lives Through Inclusivity

The NOW group is a social enterprise based in Northern Ireland that supports people with learning difficulties and autism to secure jobs with a future. Their services help participants achieve independence, improve their skills, and secure meaningful employment. 

Together with Translink and NOW Group, we developed tailored programs and presentations focused on improving the independence of individuals who rely on public transport but face challenges navigating it. The program concluded with a ride-along on the Glider Buses in Belfast, allowing participants to apply what was discussed in the presentations.

This partnership has made a significant impact by helping individuals with learning disabilities and autism feel more comfortable with public transport. By fostering a more inclusive approach and promoting social equality, we support the ideology of transport for all.

WOMEN’STEC: Paving the Way for Women in Non-Traditional Sectors

Translink and Vix Partnered with WOMEN’STEC, a charity empowering women in non-traditional sectors. We staged a vibrant, interactive event aimed at inspiring women, including those from disadvantaged backgrounds, to pursue careers in the transportation industry. 

Event Highlights:

• Roundtable Discussions: Facilitated open conversations among attendees, allowing them to share career aspirations, experiences, and advice.
• CV Review Station: Provided participants with expert tips on crafting standout CVs tailored for the transit and technology industry.
• Career Pathway Stand: Translink representatives discussed diverse job opportunities within their organisation, covering various specialisms.

Working with Leicester Buses and Vista

Working alongside another of our customer’s, Leicester City Council, Leicestershire County Council, and charity organisation Vista, we worked together on a project aimed at enhancing public transport accessibility for individuals with visual impairments. 

Vista is one of the oldest and largest local charities in Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland. It has been working with people with sight loss and their families for over 160 years.

Through Vista’s surveys of stops used by those with sight loss, 21 selected stops now feature our solution that includes text-to-speech functionality to assist passengers with sight loss in using bus stops and obtaining necessary journey information.

Our collaboration with Vista is part of a broader effort to promote inclusivity and accessibility in public transportation services. Vix’s long-life, battery-powered totem displays offer real-time passenger information, empowering all individuals, particularly those with disabilities, to navigate public transport with ease.

These collaborations are not just about providing services; they are about fostering independence, empowering individuals, and breaking down barriers to create opportunities for all. Our goal is to expand these efforts and continue to support initiatives that promote social equality and inclusion.