A Sevenoaks-based bus operator has become one of the first to sign up to a accessibility charter improving services for blind and partially sighted people.

Go-Coach has become part of the initiative set up by the Royal National Institute of Blind People as part of its Stop for Me Speak to Me bus campaign.

Its aim is to encourage more bus operators to provide the appropriate services allowing them to cater to all customers.

Campaigners Naomi Stevenson and Daniel Robinson, and RNIB’s regional campaign officer for the South East Marie Jenkins met with Go-Coach’s duty manager Andy Wells on Wednesday, July 30 to discuss its services.

Marie said: “Bus travel is a lifeline to blind and partially sighted people in Kent, who rely on buses to take them to work, the shops or just to get out and about with friends.

“We are really impressed with Go-Coach’s willingness to make improvements for their blind and partially sighted passengers.

“Bus travel is a lifeline to blind and partially sighted people in Kent, who rely on buses to take them to work, the shops or just to get out and about with friends..." - Marie Jenkins

"It has clearly been doing a lot already but now that we are working together and with their operators making commitments some of the larger ones are dragging their heels over.”

Go-Coach believes its integration into the charter is a good way of showing its commitment to providing great service to all blind and partially sighted passengers.

Local campaigner who is registered blind, Daniel Robinson said: “I sometimes struggle seeing buses approaching bus stops.

"Go-Coach buses are bright yellow and purple, which is a very good colour contrast for partially sighted people.”

For more information visit: www.rnib.org.uk/bus