Brighton Buses supporting new behaviour campaign ‘It’s Everyone’s Journey’

Using public transport can be more challenging for disabled people but small changes from other passengers can make a big difference.

One in five people in the UK are disabled and at the moment, many of them say they don’t feel confident using public transport. In fact, 1 in 4 say that negative attitudes from other passengers prevent them from travelling.*

It’s Everyone’s Journey aims to help show other passengers how much of an impact their unconscious behaviour can have on disabled passengers and encourages them to make small changes to their habits when travelling.

These changes can include:

• Being ready to give up a priority seat
• Being prepared to help each other
• Trying to keep the noise down
• Making room for everyone and avoiding priority spaces where you can
• Being patient with each other
• Not rushing other passengers when they’re getting on or off the bus

 It’s also important to remember that many disabilities may be invisible. A person may have a physical, mental or neurological condition that is not visible but which can affect their movement and senses.

Hangleton resident Graham Oulton is registered blind and used to worry about catching the bus by himself in Brighton. Graham has volunteered with Guide Dogs UK since 2014 and helped us fulfil our promise of making 100% of our fleet becoming talking buses.  Graham said: “It’s tremendous getting on board a bus and hearing your stops. It’s amazing for me because it’s freedom. I can go anywhere.”

Brighton & Hove Buses’ Managing Director Martin Harris said: “We want everybody to feel confident when they travel on our buses and to be able get to school, work, appointments and social events freely.

“You can improve somebody else’s journey – and their day – by taking a few seconds to think about what other passengers might need when they travel, whether that’s more time to buy a ticket, a helping hand or a seat.”

The bus company is promoting the DfT’s national campaign at bus stops and inside buses, as well as on its website and social media.

Brighton & Hove Buses will also be applying for the Department’s new Inclusive Transport accreditation scheme, which encourages transport companies to promote excellent practice around accessibility.