17 October 2002
Translink officially signed up to The Guide Dogs for the Blind Travel Charter today, confirming the company’s status as guide dog-friendly.
From guided pathways at new stations to Braille or large print timetables and soon the introduction of the new smartcards for the blind and partially sighted*, Translink have been implementing measures to make travelling with a guide dog easier for a number or years.
Translink Managing Director, Ted Hesketh, says that the charter is an excellent way of highlighting the needs of the blind and partially sighted customers.
“Signing up to this charter is a public confirmation of our commitment to continual improvement of accessibility. Public transport is vital for mobility amongst the blind and partially sighted, and we believe that our efforts have made and continue to make travelling easier for those bringing guide dogs onto buses and trains.”
At the Charter signing, Jane Patmore, Guide Dogs’ Director of Operations in NI said
“Guide dogs provide blind and partially sighted people with freedom and mobility, but to make full use of that independence, guide dog owners need accessible and reliable public transport.
“We are delighted to see that Translink puts such emphasis on accessibility and guide dog friendly features. We commend their efforts to date, and we look forward to working with them.”
Ends
*to be introduced in March 2003