Understand
Northampton audio bus displays hailed as a game changer by blind passenger
Overview
New ePaper audio bus displays in Northampton have been praised as a game changer by visually impaired passengers. A group of 20 people from the charity NAB Sight Support for Northamptonshire, including 34-year-old blind resident Hugh Spence, tested the new Stagecoach Midlands displays featuring braille buttons and spoken information. The technology, installed as part of West Northamptonshire Council's Bus Service Improvement Plan, helps address the challenge of quieter electric buses and aims to improve independence and accessibility for visually impaired travellers.
Key points
- New Stagecoach Midlands ePaper bus displays feature braille buttons and spoken information providing details on the next five arriving buses.
- Hugh Spence, a 34-year-old blind resident who works for NAB Sight Support for Northamptonshire, tested the technology during a trip around Moulton Park.
- Spence noted that quiet electric buses make traditional travel difficult for blind people, making tactile and audio displays essential for independence.
- The initiative is part of West Northamptonshire Council's Bus Service Improvement Plan, with feedback used to ensure services are more accessible and inclusive.