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National Federation of the Blind ofthe United Kingdom
(NFBUK)
SUPPORT THE VOICE OF BLIND PEOPLE
Registered charity Number: 236629 (England & Wales); sc
040134(Scotland)
27 August 2013
Iain Gray MSPScottish ParliamentEdinburgh
EH99 ISP
Dear Ian
Ref: Consultation on Proposals for legislation on Bus Regulation
(Scotland)
The National Federation of the Blind of the United Kingdom
(NFBUK) wasfounded in 1947 by blind, deaf-blind and partially
sighted people and is anindependent, non political, self help
campaigning pressure group andregistered charity.
Today NFBUK is still run and controlled by blind, deaf-blind and
partiallysighted people! It is therefore the genuine voice of Blind
people in the UK.
Through representation and campaigning, With representatives
onnumerous organisations and committees, Local Authority and
Governmentbodies, NFBUK seeks to improve the overall welfare and
quality of dailylife for all blind, deaf-blind and partially
sighted people, including thosewhose sight impairment is part of
multi-disability, in the United Kingdom.
This includes Freedom of movement and all aspects connected with
publictransport services and facilities.
NFBUK welcomes the opportunity to comment on the proposals
forlegislation on Bus Regulation (Scotland).
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The NFBUK supports moves to give transport authorities greater
controlover bus services in their area by enabling authorities to
regulate how theyare delivered. Through enabling authorities
to:
a. 'Bundle' profitable and non-profitable routes and franchise
them asa package.
b. Set a minimum level of service within the franchise, agreed
withthe operator.
c. Use local authority fleets to provide socially useful
services wherethere are gaps in provision.
The NFBUK welcomes proposals for new powers for the
TrafficCommissioner to impose financial penalties on operators who
do not meetthe terms of franchises, and for transport authorities
to be able to seek
redress for the cost of retendering routes where operators have
walkedaway from franchise agreements.
We believe that transport authorities should have powers to run
serviceshow they see fit and according to local needs.
The NFBUK supports proposals to secure a minimum level of
service froman operator, for example, requiring that certain
services run during the daymust also have an equivalent,
less-frequent evening or night service.
The NFBUK agrees that it is unacceptable to wait for the
decimation ofservices before they can begin to be significantly
improved.
The NFBUK believes that the unregulated market has failed to
protectthose that depend on local services most. Blind, deaf-blind
and partiallysighted people in the UK are already amongst the
highest group of disabledunemployed people and are in the lowest
income earners and living inpoverty and thus do not have access to
other forms of transport or drivecars. Operators pulling out of
services citing a lack of government support
and rising fuel costs; or where the local authority has
withdrawn its supportfor local services, choosing other priorities
for its budget, impact and have adetrimental effect on the daily
life of those already unable to affordalternative forms of
transport e.g. taxis.
We believe that agreements should cover routes and fares;
ensuring thatcompanies tendering for profitable routes can only do
so by taking on
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unprofitable routes too: We also believe that greater account
needs to betaken of door-to-door or demand responsive transport
users and itsprovision; That the blind persons Scotland wide free
travel concessionaryscheme must be valid and accepted on all
services. There should also be aScotland wide blind persons
companion concessionary travel schemeintroduced without delay.
In addition to Improved lighting, shelters and information,
includingaccurate 'Real Time' information at bus stops, we call
for:
1. Automated audible on board information announcements giving
thedestination of the service and the next scheduled stop.
2. Accessible information.3. Legislation requiring disability
awareness & equality training for all
drivers and terminal staff.
The NFBUK looks forward to the introduction of the proposed
legislationand believes that it will have positive implications for
the equality of blind,deaf-blind and partially sighted travellers
in Scotland.
When responding, please do so by email to me at:
[email protected]
Should you require further information or have any questions
relating to thisresponse or NFBUK or its work, please contact:
National federation of the blind of the UKSir John Wilson
House215 KirkgateWAKEFIELDWF1
1JGEmail:[email protected]:www.nfbuk.orgTel: 01294 291313
Or direct to me at:
Douglas GilroyNFB President25 Park StreetDUMBARTONG82 1RF
mailto:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]://www.nfbuk.org/http://www.nfbuk.org/http://www.nfbuk.org/http://www.nfbuk.org/mailto:[email protected]
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Email:[email protected]: 01389 763091Mobile:
07773341877
Douglas GilroyNFBUK President
mailto:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]
