BUS firms have got on board with a new charter to make travel easier for blind and partially-sighted passengers.

The agreement commits operators to moves such as approaching bus stops more slowly so that people have time to make out the number and route, not pulling away from stops before passengers with sight loss have found a seat and letting them know when they arrive at their destination.

Eight bus operators from the Confederation of Passenger Transport Scotland (CPT) have signed up to the charter, produced by sight loss charity RNIB.

These include McGill’s and First, which operate services across Renfrewshire and East Renfrewshire.

George Mair, CPT director, said: “Working with partners such as the RNIB helps highlight elements of the journey experience that may be challenging to people with certain disabilities.

“The Bus Charter is a valuable tool to help make travel more inclusive, easy to use and welcoming for the blind and partially sighted.”

James Adams, of RNIB Scotland, added: “Blind and partially-sighted people rely on buses more than most because they are unable to drive and taxis are too expensive for everyday journeys.”