THE three-month, bus-hailing kit trial for vision impaired passengers has been extended to year’s end to allow more people to get involved. 

“The ACT Government has worked closely with Vision Australia and Guide Dogs ACT on the distribution and use of the bus hailing kits, which have been supplied by a Canadian public transport provider,”says Chief Minister Katy Gallagher.

The bus hailing kit is a pocket-sized set of numbered cards that are printed with large text and Braille numbers designed for use by visually-impaired people to help signal buses they wish to board.

The kits come with a clear plastic pouch with three slots for the desired route number. The inserts are in large print to help passengers and drivers see them easily. A passenger waiting at the bus stop holds the kit at shoulder height to signal to the bus driver.

“Trial participants have been asked to provide feedback on a range of factors including ease of use, functionality, size, convenience, Braille legibility, driver response and night-time usage. Feedback from trial participants will be used to improve the kits prior to wider roll out,” the Chief Minister said.

More information from 131710.