For many people, catching the bus is a simple part of daily life. But for those living with sight loss, it can present real challenges – from knowing when the bus is arriving to feeling confident about where and when to get off.

New research from the Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB) highlights the urgent need for change. According to their All Aboard? report:

• 80% of blind and partially sighted people found unfamiliar bus journeys difficult or very difficult
• Fewer than half (46%) can make all the bus journeys they want and need
  83% said it is “very important” to have the option to travel by bus
• Over 56% said they want to go out more than they do

Despite buses being the most commonly used form of public transport for people with sight loss, current services are falling short. As RNIB Policy Lead Erik Matthies puts it:

“This isn’t just a missed bus – this could be the difference between someone working or not, getting to vital college classes, keeping up with friends, or hitting the gym.”

What are the barriers to accessible bus travel?

RNIB’s report identified a range of common challenges that make bus travel difficult or impossible for people with sight loss:

• Inconsistent or poor signage, especially at street-level stops
• Lack of reliable audio or visual announcements
• Inaccessible or missing real-time information
• Poor bus stop design – including cluttered pavements, missing lighting, and lack of tactile indicators
  Limited driver training and inconsistent support from staff
• Service reductions, unpredictable timetables, or routes cut altogether
  

One survey respondent noted:

“I tend to travel with family/friends, but I would like to travel more alone. This is something I am nervous about because of the lack of accessible information about which bus has arrived.”

What does good accessibility look like?

When accessibility is built into public transport by design, it removes uncertainty and restores independence. 

Here are some key features that make a real difference:

✅ Audio announcements: Clear, real-time onboard announcements help passengers know exactly where they are and when their stop is approaching.

✅ Push-button audio triggers at stops: Braille-marked buttons at bus stops activate next-bus announcements, providing vital information without needing a smartphone or app.

✅ Clear, consistent signage and interface layouts: Well-positioned, tactile or high-contrast signage helps passengers navigate spaces and identify vehicles confidently.

✅Accessible travel information: Real-time information whether on a mobile app, e-paper display or text service, should be simple to access and available in formats suitable for different needs.

✅ Driver communication and awareness: trained drivers who are aware of how to assist blind and partially sighted passengers

✅ Support for planning and assistance: From travel mentoring schemes to journey support cards and booking assistance, having proactive help available makes services more inclusive from start to finish.

How Vix is helping

At Vix Technology, we’re working to remove some of these barriers through innovative, user-centred solutions.

Battery-powered audio-enabled displays
Deployed across cities like London and Portsmouth, our e-paper and LED displays provide next-bus audio announcements at the push of a braille-marked button – no app or smart phone required! These displays are compact, energy-efficient, and designed for real-world use at street-level stops.

Accessible on-bus information systems
Our AVA (Audio Visual Announcements) technology provides real-time, automated audio and visual updates, helping passengers know exactly where they are, what the next stop is, and when to get off.

Working Together for More Inclusive Travel

Buses play a critical role in daily life – from education and healthcare to social connection. But for too many blind and partially sighted people, public transport remains an obstacle rather than a gateway.

Disability advocate and RNIB ambassador Lucy Edwards says it best:

“With the right support from local and national governments, better design and awareness from bus companies, and just a little more understanding from our fellow passengers, we can make the bus a space that blind and partially sighted people can use confidently and comfortably.”

We couldn’t agree more.

Everyone deserves the confidence to travel independently. With thoughtful design and proven technology, we can help make that a reality.

If you’re a local authority or transport operator looking to improve accessibility, get in touch with our team or explore our accessibility solutions.