Response to RNIB Cymru ‘All Aboard?’ report on bus services

Older People’s Commissioner for Wales, Rhian Bowen-Davies, said:

“I welcome today’s report from RNIB Cymru, which examines the challenges faced by blind and partially sighted bus users in Wales, many of whom are older people.

“Bus services are often crucial to help people maintain their independence and ensure they can do the things that matter to them, particularly as they get older.

“The barriers highlighted in the report – relating to journey planning, on board accessibility, getting to the bus stop and catching the bus, and driver and passenger behaviour – reflect the issues that many older people I have spoken with across Wales have raised with me and can make accessing these crucial services difficult, if not impossible.

“With significant changes planned in Wales through the Bus Services (Wales) Bill, it’s essential that these kinds of issues are recognised and addressed, alongside improving the availability, frequency and reliability of bus services.

“This is something I will be calling for in the evidence I share with the Committee scrutinising the legislation and as the Bill progresses through the Senedd.”