We were delighted to welcome the Royal National Institute of Blind People Scotland (RNIB Scotland) to the tram depot last week to speak to a group of colleagues from across the business and run a practical workshop to help improve 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, with plans to roll training out to further groups over the coming months.
Dan, Daryl, Billy, and Jimmy from RNIB Scotland spoke to the group about their lived experience with sight loss, with the aim to increase awareness of how we can recognise when people may need assistance, and how to approach and help them to successfully use the trams.
Following this, we attempted to navigate one of the trams parked in the depot while wearing glasses which simulate different visual conditions. Finally, we got some practical experience of the best way to guide people, taking it in turns guiding each other on and off the tram while wearing the glasses.
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 said, “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.”
Following on from the workshop, Edinburgh Trams will continue to work with the RNIB Scotland to facilitate further training for the team.
