Blind ‘forced out’ of seats on buses
Paul Smith has been speaking out against the changes to the warden scheme run by Freebridge in Columbia Way, Lynn. www.lynnnews.co.uk/buyaphoto
A PENSIONER with severely impaired sight is appealing for help from bus bosses and drivers and greater consideration from other bus users.
Paul Smith, 66, is asking Norfolk Green to increase the size of signs on buses which ask able-bodied passengers not to occupy seats intended for the elderly and disabled.
He said the seats were often taken by ordinary passengers, even if there were other places available further down the bus.
“A very small minority of people get up but the majority just sit and pretend you aren’t there. Their excuse is that they didn’t notice the signs. They aren’t big enough,” said Mr Smith, who is a registered blind person and carries a white stick.
He praised some bus drivers for pulling in close to the kerb to make it easier for him to board. Others took the trouble to warn him if there was a gap for him to negotiate, he said. Another way drivers could help was by waiting for him to sit down before driving off.
Mr Smith, of Columbia Way, North Lynn, also faces problems at bus stops at busy times. “People just rush in front of me. It’s like survival of the fittest,” he said.
Bus passes for the blind are now issued by Norfolk County Council, which accepts applications on-line and by post.
Mr Smith would prefer to apply in person at the West Norfolk Council offices in Lynn, as happened in the past and is still possible in North Norfolk. He has only 10 per cent vision and said: “I can’t fill forms in.”
A spokesman for Norfolk County Council said discussions were being held with West Norfolk Council about re-introducing a face-to-face service in Lynn.
He said: “There are about 180,000 passes in circulation and the system for issuing them generally works well. We are sorry if Mr Smith has concerns and if he rings us on 0344 800 8020 nearer to the time when his pass is due to run out, we will be happy to assist him. The same applies to anyone else who has concerns.”
There has been some good news for blind and partially-sighted bus passengers after the county council decided to reinstate free travel at all times from April.
The concession was withdrawn last year due to a cut in Government funding. Council leader Derrick Murphy said it had become clear that blind and visually-impaired travel pass holders had been especially disadvantaged by the move.
Companion passes for all disabled people who need help when travelling had also been reintroduced, helped by the council’s improved financial position next year.
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