Helpful bus stops are talk of the town

Using a special key fob or a smartcard, visually impaired travellers will be able to get both directions and bus times for a number of specially adapted stops on Princes Street, the Bridges and at the Royal Blind School at Craigmillar Park.

The technology builds on the success of the Bustracker system which uses satellite technology to provide real-time bus information.

Using radio frequencies, the bus stop can identify a key fob holder from up to 25ft away, vocalising the current location as well as directions, local landmarks and bus times.

As with pedestrian crossings for the blind, the units will be set to work during daytime hours and with a fixed volume level.

Angela Bisson, a mobility and independence specialist at the Blind School, said many visually impaired youngsters were embarrassed about travelling by bus, often having to step onboard a number of different services before getting the right one.

She said: "The normal way that they access the buses is by standing at the stop and displaying the cane so that the driver knows when to stop.

"None of these children are ever going to drive, so buses are their main mode of transport. For them, travelling two or three stops can often mean avoiding obstacles in the street – it's a huge thing they are going to be reliant on for the rest of their lives."

Despite being created for the benefit of the blind, the technology can also be used by holders of the National Entitlement Card, which allow users to access a number of council services.

Gordon Mackenzie, the council's transport convener, said: "We are constantly exploring new ways of improving the reliability and accessibility of our public transport system.

"Bustracker has already been a huge hit with travellers across Edinburgh, but we want to be able to offer this and other such initiatives to all user groups, which is why we are delighted to be working with the Royal Blind School on this trial."

Meanwhile, the next phase of the Bustracker programme is due to be completed towards the end of June.

Forty-two new signs will have been added across the city, Midlothian and East Lothian, bringing the total in Edinburgh to around 425.