The Royal National Institute of Blind People Scotland (RNIB) recently visited Edinburgh Trams’ Gogar Depot to speak to a group of staff from across the business and to run a practical workshop to help to improve the understanding of the experiences faced by blind and partially sighted people when using public transport.
The group from Edinburgh Trams included on-tram staff, members of the Customer Relations and Revenue Protection teams, and other business support staff. It is planned that the training will be rolled out to further staff groups in the coming months.
The aim of the day was to increase awareness of how it can be recognised when people may need assistance, and how to approach and help them to successfully use the trams. Dan, Daryl, Billy, and Jimmy from RNIB Scotland all spoke about their lived experience with sight loss on the day before staff attempted to navigate one of the trams while wearing glasses which simulate different visual conditions.
Catriona Taylor, Revenue Protection Manager at Edinburgh Trams, said: “We’re highly aware of the importance of public transport for people with all kinds of accessibility needs, and proud that the trams offer a great, accessible option for many individuals. However, we can always look to improve, and hope that this first workshop turns into a long and effective partnership between RNIB Scotland and Edinburgh Trams.”
Jane Coates, Community Social Action Manager for RNIB Scotland, added: “Public transport can be a lifeline for blind and partially sighted people. By helping colleagues at Edinburgh Trams understand the challenges people with sight loss face, our sessions will encourage small actions that make journeys more accessible and give people the confidence to travel independently.”
The day ended with practical experience of how staff can help by guiding people, taking it in turns guiding each other on and off the tram while wearing the special glasses.
Edinburgh Trams will now continue to work with RNIB Scotland to facilitate further training for the tram.