Bus groups see red over orange passes

20 August 2009

Bus-user groups in Wales fear orange passes could single out visually-impaired passengers to muggers.

Flintshire County Council proposes to become the first in Wales to provide luminous orange passes for people unable to read destinations or numbers on approaching buses. There have been complaints across Wales of drivers telling such passengers to read the destination indicator or refusing to answer questions. Flintshire hopes the orange passes will improve drivers’ understanding.

Barclay Davies, Wales officer for Bus Users UK, said he would like other authorities to follow suit, but added: ‘We did suggest it to some user groups. The overwhelming response was that they would be against it because it would single people out for attacks or taunting.’ RNIB Cymru said authorities should consult before introducing orange passes.

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