Temple Meads launches audio guide for blind people
It's the first train station in the UK to do so
Bristol Temple Meads has become the first train station in the country to launch an audio guide for blind people.
Network Rail has partnered with the Bristol Sight Loss Council (BSLC) to create the guide ahead of the International Day of Disabled Persons, which is tomorrow (December 3).
The idea for the guide came once major refurbishment work started at the station, which Network Rail admits has made navigating the site more challenging for partially sighted people.
The guide is made up of 12 audio files, housed on a dedicated page on the Network Rail website, each of which guides the listener through a different section of the station.
Network Rail says it aspires to further improve the guide and eventually roll out something similar for stations across the country.
Bernadette Sachse is Network Rail's station manager for Temple Meads.
“I’m so proud of the work we’ve done with Bristol Sight Loss Council to launch this audio guide, which will help to ensure that our station remains as accessible as possible for all passengers, especially during the roof works.
“We want everyone to feel welcome at our stations and are constantly looking to improve accessibility for people who experience disability.
"Alongside the audio guide, all our station signage has been designed in high contrast so that it can be more easily read.
"We install tactile paving on our platforms to improve safety and have ensured that Bristol Temple Meads can be easily navigated by those using a wheelchair.
“It’s been fantastic to work with the Sight Loss Council, who have tested the audio guide to make sure that it’s as user friendly as possible.
"I hope that this useful tool allows people to feel more confident in using our railway.”
Emma Hughes, director of services at Thomas Pocklington Trust, says partially sighted people often use "their lived experience" to create powerful change in this way.
“We are proud of Bristol Sight Loss Council’s work with Bristol Temple Meads station to launch this first of its kind audio guide to help blind and partially sighted people to navigate the station," she said.
"Everyone should be able to rely on accessible public transport and be able to travel independently and safely.
"We want to ensure all forms of transport are fully accessible to blind and partially sighted people across the country, enabling everyone to live the lives they want to lead in an independent way.
“We look forward to seeing what this powerful partnership can achieve together in the coming years.”