Improving bus travel accessibility in Plymouth

Travelling independently can present significant challenges for people with visual impairments, particularly when accessing public transport. To help address this, All Things Dotty has partnered with Plymouth City Council to introduce a more accessible way to access bus timetable information.

As part of a six-month trial, new accessible timetables are now available at the Plymouth Travel Centre. These include printed formats, Braille, and QR codes that can be scanned to access audio timetables—ensuring users can choose the format that works best for them.

In addition, Braille bus stop signs have been installed at every stop within Derriford Hospital and the Royal Eye Infirmary. These signs provide key information such as:

• The name of the stop

• The bus services that stop there

• The destinations served

Tactile markers have also been incorporated to help users easily locate the Braille text.

The aim of this initiative is to understand whether these improvements genuinely support visually impaired people in accessing public transport more independently. Feedback gathered throughout the trial will be used to refine and enhance the system.

Early responses have been extremely encouraging. At the launch, Braille users praised the signage for being durable and easy to read. The tactile elements were highlighted as particularly helpful, and the QR code audio system was also well received as an alternative to printed information.

Members of the public are invited to try the audio timetables at the Citybus Travel Shop on Royal Parade.

To find out more about the trial and to share your feedback, please click here.