#makeTransportAccessible
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slcouncils.bsky.social
🎧 Help shape the future of accessible rail travel.

Sight Loss Councils and GTR have developed audio guides for stations and trains, and now we want to hear from you.

Watch Clinton's video and share your feedback in our short survey: bit.ly/3V399x9

#MakeTransportAccessible #InclustiveTravel
October 12, 2026 at 8:01 AM
slcouncils.bsky.social
🎧 Have you used our station or train audio guides?

We're looking for feedback from blind and partially sighted people to help improve existing resources and shape future accessibility developments.

Find out more and share your views: bit.ly/3V399x9

#makeTransportAccessible
Promotional graphic from Sight Loss Councils featuring a white background with teal circular design elements in the top corners. The Sight Loss Councils logo appears in the top left. Large dark blue text reads: “Help shape the future of accessible rail travel”. Smaller text below reads: “Share your feedback on our station and train audio guides”. A dark blue button-style graphic at the bottom says “Complete our survey”. On the right-hand side, a photograph shows a person standing on a railway platform holding a white cane while facing a train.
October 1, 2026 at 8:00 AM
slcouncils.bsky.social
"it's freedom."

For Sussex Sight Loss Council volunteer Alison, accessible bus travel means getting to work, shopping, meeting friends and enjoying everyday life.

This #CatchTheBusMonth, we're celebrating why buses matter to blind & partially sighted people.

#MakeTransportAccessible Bus Users UK
Graphic featuring a quote from Alison of Sussex Sight Loss Council. The text reads: “It’s freedom. I can get out and about, I can get to work, I can go shopping, I can go to the theatre, meet friends...” A portrait photo appears in the bottom right corner, with the Sight Loss Councils logo in the top right. The design uses dark blue text on a light background with teal quotation marks.
September 22, 2026 at 8:00 AM
slcouncils.bsky.social
Accessible bus travel can help blind and partially sighted people get to work, attend appointments, socialise and stay independent.

This #CTBM26 Sight Loss Council volunteers share why it matters to them. 🚌

#CatchTheBusMonth #MakeTransportAccessible
September 7, 2026 at 8:00 AM
slcouncils.bsky.social
Buses help people get to work, attend appointments, socialise and stay independent. Yet barriers still exist for many blind and partially sighted passengers.

This Catch the Bus Month, we'll be highlighting why accessible bus travel matters.

#CTBM26 #MakeTransportAccessible
Catch the Bus Month graphic featuring the message “Get on Board”. The graphic presents a myth: “Buses aren’t accessible”. The reality text reads: “Buses give all of us the freedom to travel independently and with dignity.” A photo shows a wheelchair user entering a bus using a ramp. Bus Users UK logo appears in the bottom right corner.
September 5, 2026 at 8:00 AM
samleftwichtpt.bsky.social
Bedfordshire & Hertfordshire @slcouncils.bsky.socials held a 2nd Coffee & event at Stevenage station to preview our new accessibility resources. Joined by local BPS people & staff from GTR, lots of great discussions were had. Resources will launch soon. #MakeTransportAccessible #Trains #Stevenage
The picture shows a group of individuals sitting on benches listening inside a waiting area. The area is enclosed by large windows and has a modern, functional design. The individuals are casually dressed, suggesting a relaxed atmosphere. There is a person standing in front of them, speaking to the group and providing information. The overall scene appears to be a waiting area, at a transport hub, Stevenage Railway station. A banner with ‘Sight Loss Councils’, an image of a young female wearing glasses and a slogan ‘Join us to influence Change’ is behind them in the corner. The image depicts a group of people standing in a station waiting room. The man on the left is wearing glasses and a suit. He is holding a book in his right hand. The woman in the middle is wearing a cream shirt and black and white smart trousers, standing with one arm on her side. In the open doorway are two members of train station staff, one male and the other female. They are both wearing dark blue uniform with hi-vis orange jackets. The man on the right is wearing a suit and is holding a cup in his right hand. The station waiting room has glass windows and doors with grey coloured tiled floor. A banner with ‘Sight Loss Councils’, an image of a young female wearing glasses and a slogan ‘Join us to influence Change’ is behind them in the corner. They are all listening to the person speaking.
May 14, 2025 at 3:37 PM
samleftwichtpt.bsky.social
Essex SLC have delivered another Vision Awareness Session to #GreaterAnglia Conductors as part of our ongoing engagement to #MakeTransportAccessible. Our work continues to support to improve the accessibility of their services, breaking down barriers, raising awareness & building confidence.
Attendees are sat around an oblong table with uniforms on in dark blue and maroon. They are in small groups discussing questions on a quiz. The group of attendees are sat around an area bling table wearing uniforms in blue and maroon. They are listening to the facilitator at the front who is wearing a cream shirt and black and white dogtooth trousers. A presentation is on the screen behind. Two people are walking up a flight of lower stairs, one is wearing a blindfold whilst the other is providing sighted assistance. On the lady side, another pair is walking up the second flight of stairs towards a light brown door. One is being guided by the other. A large group of people in uniform stand on a landing wearing uniform in blue and maroon. Two people are standing at the top of the flight of stairs s. Be is wearing a blindfold whilst the other is providing sighted assistance as they walk towards the first step at the top of the flight of stairs. This picture is taken from the landing below looking up.
April 17, 2025 at 4:25 PM
slcouncils.bsky.social
🚊 Join South West London Sight Loss Council and Transport For London (TfL) for a free Try a Tram event at Wimbledon Station.

Explore the tram network, meet TfL staff, and build confidence travelling independently.

📅 22 Sept 🔗 https://bit.ly/45mmAd7

#TryATram #MakeTransportAccessible
Graphic for a South West London SLC's event. The SLC logo appears at the top of a white background, followed by large text reading "Try a tram at Wimbledon Station". Below, the date "22nd September" and time "11am–2pm" are displayed alongside a turquoise button labelled "Book on our website". The lower half shows a top-down photograph of a person standing behind a yellow line next to tactile paving on a tram platform. A curved white border separates the event information from the photograph.
July 22, 2026 at 9:10 AM
slcouncils.bsky.social
Following our recent CIHT award success, Merseyside Sight Loss Council is continuing to drive change in transport accessibility. The team recently delivered a train-the-trainer session with Arriva to support more inclusive bus travel for people with sight loss. 🚌

#MakeTransportAccessible
Kelly Barton, Engagement Manager for the North West, stands with an Arriva bus trainer at the entrance of a bus at the depot. The trainer holds a long cane and wears a sight-loss simulation glasses while taking part in an accessibility training exercise. Kelly stands nearby holding a cane. A large silver tanker vehicle is parked behind them, both are wearing orange high-vis jackets. Kelly Barton, Engagement Manager for the North West, and David Parfett, Sight Loss Council Coordinator, stand with a group of Arriva trainers in a training room. The group is gathered in front of a presentation screen displaying information about accessible bus travel for blind and partially sighted people. Kelly stands at the centre of the group wearing a purple dress, with participants positioned on either side.
July 16, 2026 at 3:00 PM
slcouncils.bsky.social
“I nearly cancelled… and now I’m so glad I didn’t.”

A brilliant Try a Train event from Greater Manchester Sight Loss Councils and partners - helping blind and partially sighted people build confidence using rail travel 🚆

#MakeTransportAccessible #InclusiveTravel
Greater Manchester Sight Loss Councils and attendees stood together on the concourse at Manchester Victoria station. All are smiling at the camera.
May 22, 2026 at 11:01 AM
slcouncils.bsky.social
Confidence to travel comes from experience🚆

Watch this behind-the-scenes video from a recent Try a Train event, supporting blind and partially sighted people to build confidence using rail.

More events in Leeds and Manchester coming soon: bit.ly/3YyUeJk

#MakeTransportAccessible
A group of VI attendees listen to Antony Merlyn, Accessibility Engagement Manager for Govia Thameslink Railway, during North London SLC's Try a Train event at Kings Cross. The group face Antony, listening as he talks to them.
April 24, 2026 at 9:10 AM
slcouncils.bsky.social
“I’ve since made independent journeys I once wouldn’t have attempted…”

Build confidence with rail travel at a free ‘Try a Train’ event in Leeds for blind & partially sighted people.

📅 11 May

👉 Book your place: https://bit.ly/47Z1VxB

#MakeTransportAccessible #TryATrain #InclusiveTravel
Verity, North Yorkshire SLC member, pictured stepping off the train at Scarborough with support from a member of the Passenger Assistance team.
April 10, 2026 at 9:00 AM
slcouncils.bsky.social
Huge congratulations to Hampshire Sight Loss Council members Kate and Peter! 🎉

Their work is featured in Regenerating Railway Stations, a new book on making stations more accessible & community-focused.

A brilliant example of lived experience driving change 👏

#MakeTransportAccessible
A hand holds up a book titled “Regenerating Railway Stations.” The cover features a photograph of a traditional brick railway‑station building with an awning, window, and small outdoor seating area. A bookmark is visible at the top of the book. The background is a plain light-coloured wall. A hand holds open a book, showing two pages. The left-hand page includes a chapter heading titled “Access for All” and text discussing travelling on public transport. The right-hand page contains more text, including a section mentioning Sight Loss Councils, with the Sight Loss Councils logo visible in blue and green. The background is a plain light-coloured wall.
April 6, 2026 at 7:00 AM
slcouncils.bsky.social
Volunteers from London SLCs recently visited trial bus stops in Southwark as part of a 12-month trial with Transport for London to improve safety, accessibility and comfort.

Their lived experience is helping shape more inclusive transport design across London.

#MakeTransportAccessible
Liam O'Carroll, Interim EM for London SLCs, is at a TfL bus shelter, touching a red seat, marked with a circular black sign that reads: 'This is a priority seat'. Liam is holding his long cane in his other hand and wearing a white Sight Loss Councils hoodie. Liam is pictured at the same bus shelter during the design trial. He is touching a textured metal panel on the side of the shelter. A large red TfL roundel with the word ‘Buses’ is visible on the left. The shelter has frosted glass panels, and a street with vehicles and buildings is in the background.
March 27, 2026 at 12:01 PM
slcouncils.bsky.social
Essex Sight Loss Council's 'Do You See What I See?' exhibition with Greater Anglia is up for the Community Creative Projects & Station Arts Award tonight.

Good luck tonight - an amazing achievement regardless!

Read more about the project, here: https://bit.ly/4hCGQeh #MakeTransportAccessible
Alex, Essex SLC member, and guide dog Rosie are sat in the waiting room with the exhibition artwork on the wall behind him. Samantha Leftwich, Engagement Manager for East England, and Amy Askew, Engagement Manager for East England (Maternity Cover), standing together beneath purple Community Rail Awards and EMR bunting at the awards ceremony.
March 19, 2026 at 4:02 PM
slcouncils.bsky.social
Two awards ceremonies in one day - and SLCs were part of both! 🎉

Our Vision Awareness Training for Bus Drivers, developed with @pocklington.bsky.social, has been Highly Commended at the UK Bus Awards. Huge congrats to everyone involved!

#MakeTransportAccessible #InclusiveTravel
pocklington.bsky.social Thomas Pocklington Trust @pocklington.bsky.social · Nov 26
Big news! Our Vision Awareness Training for Bus Drivers, created with SLCs & partners, was Highly Commended at the UK Bus Awards 2025! Proud to equip drivers to make travel safer & more inclusive for blind & partially sighted passengers.
Alison, Sussex SLC member, her guide dog, Jen Sweeny, Corporate Engagement Manager for TPT, and Lauren Eade, SLC coordinator for South East England Sight Loss Councils being photographed by a photographer against the UKBA backdrop , holding their Highly Commended certificate.
November 26, 2025 at 4:16 PM
slcouncils.bsky.social
Proud to support last nights #CiTTiAwards25 - celebrating innovators shaping the future of urban mobility.

SLC volunteer Nikki and Engagement Manager Dave judged and presented awards, ensuring accessibility is part of key transport conversations. 🎉

#MakeTransportAccessible
Dave Smith, Engagement Manager for South East England, and Nikki, South West London SLC member, are stood in front of a dark blue CiTTi awards banner before the awards ceremony. Dave is wearing a tuxedo, Nikki a long black dress with leopard print scarf. Both are holding their canes and smiling at the camera.
November 26, 2025 at 12:41 PM
slcouncils.bsky.social
Join SE London SLC & #GoviaThameslinkRailway for a hands-on Try a Train event on Friday 5 Dec 🚆

Build confidence, explore #LondonBridge station, take a guided trip to East Croydon, and join a Q&A with staff.

Spaces are limited - book now: bit.ly/4qTIcYd

#Railway200 #MakeTransportAccessible
Antony Merlyn, Accessibility Engagement Manager, at GTR is talking to a group of attendees at a previous Try a train event on a platform at Sutton Station.
November 20, 2025 at 10:02 AM
slcouncils.bsky.social
A great example of local collaboration driving national change! Yesterday, #Merseyside SLC worked with #ArrivaBus to help drivers understand BPS passengers' needs.

Across the UK, SLCs are building understanding and creating positive change.

Learn more: bit.ly/3zwOF5u #MakeTransportAccessible
Four people in high-vis at Arriva bus garage, crossing a zebra crossing. Kelly is in the middle, walking with her pink cane. Members of Arriva Bus Garage and Merseyside SLC are sat on a bus. A male staff member is wearing sim specs glasses and navigating down the aisle, whilst holding a long cane.
November 6, 2025 at 4:23 PM
slcouncils.bsky.social
🚌 At #Runcorn, #ArrivaBus drivers learned what it’s like as a #blind or #Partiallysighted passenger using simulation glasses, canes & our lived experience. Drivers then shared ideas for more inclusive journeys. Want to increase access? Free training materials: bit.ly/3zwOF5u #MakeTransportAccessible
Inside a bus, several people wearing bright orange safety vests are seated and standing. One person (pictured left) is SLC Engagement Manager Kelly Barton. She is holding a pink mobility cane near the front. SLC member Mick sits with a guide dog lying on the floor on the right. The other three people are from the bus depot. The bus interior has blue patterned seats and yellow handrails. Three bus drivers in orange safety vests are gathered in a break room, two seated and one standing behind them with arms resting on their shoulders. A fourth person is at a table in the background. On the table in the foreground is a case containing simulation glasses, along with a cup and saucer. A bus driver wearing an orange safety vest and simulation glasses is stepping onto a bus using a white mobility cane. Several others in orange vests are behind, and a guide dog is visible near the doorway. The bus entrance has a red floor ramp, and another bus is parked outside.
November 5, 2025 at 10:02 AM
slcouncils.bsky.social
🚆 Try a Train with Lancashire Sight Loss Council, Galloways & Community Rail Lancashire
📅 18 Nov | 🕘 9:45am–3pm | 📍 Accrington Station
Build confidence travelling by train. Free event with guides & refreshments.
🔗 Book: https://bit.ly/3LeyOxW

#MakeTransportAccessible #Railway200 #Accessible Travel
Promotional graphic for “Try a Train” event. A man with a white cane presses a button to open a train door with high-contrast yellow and red panels. Symbols above the windows show wheelchair and bike spaces. Text reads: “Try a Train with Lancashire Sight Loss Council, Galloways and Community Rail Lancashire. Free event for blind and partially sighted people.” Sight Loss Councils logo and date: 18 Nov 2025.
October 31, 2025 at 1:03 PM
slcouncils.bsky.social
🏆 Sight Loss Councils are back judging the #CiTTiAwards - representing SLCs in transport innovation!

London SLC Volunteer Nikki is on the panel for Mobility Hub of the Year, & Engagement Manager Dave Smith is judging the Transportation Education & Advocacy category.

#MakeTransportAccessible
Headshot of Sight Loss Council volunteer member Nikki Hughes. Nicki is smiling at the camera. She has brown shiny hair tied into a pony tail, is wearing gold earrings and a necklace, and is wearing a pretty floral blouse.
October 8, 2025 at 4:02 PM
slcouncils.bsky.social
🚆 “Working with #blind and  #PartiallySighted people is vital.”
Carl Martin, #GoviaThameslinkRailway (GTR) Accessibility Lead, on how lived experience shaped rail accessibility.
We’re proud to help #MakeRailAccessible for #Railway200 💙
#MakeTransportAccessible

Learn more: http://bit.ly/48KPCGg
Quote by Carl Martin, Accessibility Lead at GTR, Sight Loss Council logo and words #Railway200 in white letters on a dark blue background. The quote says: “Working alongside blind and partially sighted people with lived experience is vital. Their expertise has been invaluable in introducing navigational apps and other initiatives to increase independent travel.”
October 6, 2025 at 9:01 AM
slcouncils.bsky.social
🚆 “Wayfinder tiles now guide you through all the bollards and obstacles. That’s a major improvement.”

Steve from #Birmingham & #BlackCountry SLC shares his rail experiences on @rnibradio.bsky.social.

🎧 Listen: http://bit.ly/47Piw7U

👏 Thanks to everyone working with us to #MakeTransportAccessible
200 Years of Rail Travel Steve Keith Accessible Rail Travel Experience
To mark 200 years of the modern railway, Sight Loss Council members are sharing their accessible train travel stories. David Hogg finds out more…
bit.ly
September 25, 2025 at 9:02 PM
slcouncils.bsky.social
🚆 On Track for Change: Steve’s Journey to Accessible Rail Travel for @railway200.bsky.social . Meet Steve from Birmingham & Black Country SLC, sharing how accessible rail features changed his travel experience. Read his story: http://bit.ly/3VpV9dG
#Railway200 #MakeTransportAccessible
SLC volunteer Steve who has antique blonde hair, a moustache, and a short beard on his chin. He is stood on a station platform with an Alsatian guide dog waiting for a train. A train can be in the background at the other side to the left.
September 22, 2025 at 9:03 AM