Getting Around: What blind and partially sighted people told us
The way people in the UK travel is changing rapidly with more pavement obstacles, reduced bus services, and a rise in e-scooters and e-bikes. For blind and partially sighted people, these changes can be exhausting and dangerous. More than half of people with sight loss tell RNIB they want to go out more than they currently do.
This series of reports on walking, rail and bus travel presents findings from an online survey conducted by RNIB in February 2025 which 1197 people responded to, as well as insights from focus groups with blind and partially sighted people.
All aboard? Navigating bus travel with sight loss
Buses are the most used form of public transport and provide a vital service to blind and partially sighted people in getting to work, being able to attend healthcare appointments, complete their education, and be part of their communities.
However, bus travel presents particular challenges for people with sight loss. Our new ‘All aboard?’ report shows fewer than half of blind and partially sighted people can make all the journeys by bus that they want or need to. It contains recommendations for comprehensive change from the UK Government, bus operators and the general public that would make buses more accessible to people with sight loss.
“With the right support from local and national governments, better design and awareness from bus companies, and just a little more understanding from our fellow passengers, we can make the bus a space that blind and partially sighted people can use confidently and comfortably.
Lucy Edwards, Broadcaster, disability activist and content creator
Image: A picture of Lucy Edwards sitting with her chin resting on her hand. She has long ginger hair and is wearing a navy blue dress. 'David Reiss photography
Share the All aboard? report with your local authority and bus operator
You can use the template letters below to share the report with your local authority’s transport department and bus operators. The templates include space for you to share your personal experience of bus travel.
Contacting your local bus operator
If you know which operator runs services in your area, you’ll find contact details on their website. If you aren’t sure, you can use this bus finder tool on the Gov.uk website to find operators in your area. If you use buses from more than one operator, feel free to send a version addressed to each of them.
Contacting your local authority
You’ll find contact details for your local authority on their website. Use this tool to find your local authority and access their website.
More to come!
Alongside sharing your experience of bus travel, you also told us about how you find getting around by walking and by train. Watch this space for further reports to come!
Read more on inclusive journeys
Being able to get around safely is important for everyone, but for people with sight loss some things can make it harder to do this. RNIB campaigns to make our streets and public transport safe and accessible to all.
Alongside sharing your experience of bus travel, you also told us about how you find getting around by walking and by train. Watch this space for further reports to come!
