Cllr Mary Mears

Brighton & Hove’s talking bus stops have been shortlisted for another national award.
 
The scheme, which makes it easier for blind and partially-sighted people to use the bus service, has been selected for an LGC Award under the ‘Personalisation and Choice’ category.
 
In August 2007 Brighton & Hove became the first area in the country to introduce talking bus stops for blind and visually impaired people. Since then it has won several awards.
 
The scheme was developed by the council’s sustainable transport team, Brighton & Hove Bus and Coach Company and the RNIB after a suggestion from councillor Brian Pidgeon.
 
Talking bus stops work by linking the RNIB React system into the city’s ‘real time’ bus information signs.
 
Users of the scheme have a battery-operated key fob which alerts them when they are near one of the bus stops. By pressing the fob the bus stop 'talks' to them, giving details of which services are due at that stop and the bus destination.
 
The system can be replicated in other areas and interest has been shown from councils in London.
 
Leader of Brighton & Hove City Council Mary Mears said:
“It’s a great scheme because it means that blind and visually impaired people don’t have to rely on fellow passengers for help; they can decide for themselves which bus they catch and which route they take. It’s another step in our programme to make the city more accessible and provide transport choice.”
 
There are 21 talking bus stops citywide and these are set to increase to 42 by the end of January. So far around 100 key fobs have been distributed.
 
European funding is providing for more sites and key fobs and has enabled the council to develop a way of adding directions and tourist information to the talking bus stop units for access using separate key fobs.
 
Earlier this year the city’s talking bus stops scheme scooped two accolades at the national eWell-Being Awards. The project has won five other awards over the last two years.
 
Brighton & Hove City Council will make a presentation on talking bus stops to the LGC judges on January 28. The awards will be announced in March.

For more information about Brighton and Hove Council view:
www.brighton-hove.gov.uk