BOSSES at bus firm McGill’s have pledged to make its services more accessible to passengers who are blind or partially sighted.

The company, which operates routes across Renfrewshire and East Renfrewshire, has signed up to a charter from sight loss charity RNIB that commits it to meeting the needs of passengers with a visual impairment.

This includes approaching bus stops more slowly so that people have time to make out the number and route, not pulling away from stops before passengers with sight loss have found a seat and letting them know when they arrive at their destination.

At a signing event, drivers had a chance to wear special ‘sim specs’ that simulate different eye conditions and experience first-hand the barriers that blind and partially-sighted customers face when travelling.

James Adams, deputy director of RNIB Scotland, said: “It’s great news that Scotland’s largest independent bus operator has embraced our campaign.

“Bus travel can be a lifeline for blind and partially-sighted people, who rely on buses more than most because they are unable to drive and taxis are too expensive for everyday journeys.

“Many of our members say they sometimes have difficulty in using some services.

“We think that, if drivers are more aware of the problems people with sight loss face, they will take that extra bit of time to ensure they can make their journey confidently.”

Ralph Roberts, managing director of McGill’s Buses, said the firm is committed to taking action that will make inclusive travel a reality.

He added: “We are delighted to sign up to the RNIB Bus Charter.

“The sim specs have been an excellent way to raise awareness amongst our drivers about the real challenges that our partially-sighted customers face.

“We will be continuing this positive work through our in-house training school programme.”