RNC and Sergeants partner to build accessible travel skills

For many people, catching a bus is an everyday activity. But for young people with a visual impairment (V.I.), the combination of engine noise, crowded aisles, and unfamiliar layouts can make bus travel feel overwhelming.

Pictured: Staff and students queuing up ready to explore the bus

To support students in developing the confidence and skills needed for independent travel, The Royal National College for the Blind (RNC) partnered with Sargeants buses for a unique accessibility session on Thursday 26 March.

Ashley Smith, Transport Manager, and Bus Driver Nicola Preece brought one of the company’s new buses directly onto the RNC campus, giving students a rare opportunity to explore and familiarise themselves with a bus in a calm, controlled setting.


Pictured L-R: Sergeants staff - Ashley Smith, Transport Manager and Nicola Preece, Bus Driver

Richard Cook from the RNC Mobility Team explained:

'To build independence, our students regularly practise travelling to Hereford City Centre using local buses. We conduct these lessons on live public services to provide real-world experience, which can sometimes be overwhelming.

'Students at RNC have varying levels of vision impairment, and some have additional disabilities. It can take time to build the skills and confidence needed to travel on public transport. But once they have them, it opens up the world, bringing greater independence, increased confidence, and improved social skills.'

During the session, students explored the bus at their own pace. They practised boarding, identified wheelchair and pram spaces, located luggage areas, and learned how to use the Braille-labelled stop button. They also examined foldaway seats and gained a clearer understanding of the bus layout, including the raised seating area and its steps.


Pictured: Student Zayed exploring the foldaway seats with teacher Rich explaining how they work

Students with some useful vision were impressed by the brightly lit digital displays, while all were excited about the introduction of audio announcements - an accessibility feature expected to make a significant difference.


Pictured: Kai looking at one of the large bright digital displays


Pictured: Emily pressing the stop button

Amanda Wallis, also from the Mobility Team, highlighted how the quiet environment enabled students to observe details they often miss during a public journey:

'Many didn’t know there could be steps up to a raised level on a single‑decker bus. They found the steps with their cane but realised there were no handrails, only small handles on seat backs, which are hard to locate without leaning forward. They also hadn’t understood the wheel arch - the ‘lump in the floor - and why it matters, especially for guide dog users who need to ensure their dog has enough room to sit or lie safely. Floor heaters can also pose issues for guide dogs.'

Richard added:

'Today students could explore at their own pace, without the noise and rush of a live service. It’s been hugely beneficial. They now know what to expect and where things are, which will help reduce anxiety. It would be wonderful if this could become an annual event for each new intake of students.'

The session proved to be mutually beneficial with Sargeants staff also gaining valuable insight into the experiences and needs of V.I. passengers. Mr Smith commented:

'We’ve gained a much better understanding of the RNC passenger needs from a user’s perspective and appreciate how the technology available and in progress of being installed on vehicles for the next stop announcements better supports accessibility and overall experience for the better.'

Ms Preece added:

'I’ve really enjoyed seeing the students get involved and discovering how they’re taught at the College. From a driver’s perspective, it’s made me think differently about how I approach things in terms of giving a bit more guidance, and it’s given me a much better understanding of a V.I. person’s needs.'

Students left feeling more confident and less anxious about future bus travel, especially after the added thrill of sitting in the driver’s seat and revving the engine.

Pictured: Michal in the driving seat revving the bus as Zayed explores how to pay