Tory leader backs talking bus scheme to help blind

SCOTTISH Conservative leader Ruth Davidson has given her backing to a scheme aimed at helping blind and partially-sighted bus passengers.

The Talking Bus initiative, which sees buses fitted with audio equipment to give announcements about stops and destinations, has been piloted in some parts of England.

Ms Davidson is calling for the scheme to be introduced in Scotland.

She said: “Buses play a vital role in enabling disabled people, including those who are blind or partially-sighted, to live more independent lives.

“But the worry of not being sure if you have got on the right bus, where you are on your journey or when your stop is coming up puts many people off using them.”

The charity Guide Dogs is currently campaigning for a UK-wide change in the law to make audio and visual information available on buses and coach services.

Ms Davidson added: “Even if they were only introduced on new vehicles or as the older ones are re-fitted, it would be a great start.”

The Scottish Government said it had no powers to force bus operators to fit audio-visual displays as the matter is reserved to Westminster.

The government said Lothian Buses’ number ten service in Edinburgh uses vehicles fitted with audio-visual equipment.