‘Is Seeing Perceiving?’ Exploring issues concerning access to public transport for people with sight loss

Abstract

This research examined the needs and experiences of people with sight loss regarding access to bus and rail services in a large urban area in Ireland. A broad qualitative approach was used, so as to investigate people’s lived experiences both as passengers and as providers of public transport. Participants included 13 people with differing levels of sight loss and the Access Officers from two public transport organisations in the area. From this research, it is apparent that travel in the area by people with sight loss has improved since the introduction of key pieces of legislation. Awareness of sight loss and assistance given by staff members was the most prominent area of improvement reported by the participants. However, there appeared to be an inequality in access among people with sight loss, in that people with low vision appear to benefit more from access services than people who are totally blind. Research also showed that although technologies, including audible announcements, to assist passengers with more severe sight loss exist, they are not all available in Ireland yet or are not always effective. People’s own experience of sight loss and travelling as a person with reduced vision seems also to contribute to how accessible a transport service is and further research in this area is recommended.