BUS drivers faced a series of challenges to find out what journeys are like for blind passengers.

Staff at the Brighton and Hove Bus Company were blindfolded to get an insight into the difficulties visually impaired people face using public transport.

Volunteers for the training day, and Brighton and Hove Mayor Brian Fitch, were set tasks by the city’s branch of the Guide Dogs charity at the bus company’s Lewes Road depot.

The volunteers met the guide dogs and guided each other as they boarded buses, walked up stairs and made food and drinks. More training courses are being arranged and the project is part of the company’s drive to make buses accessible for all.

Managing director Martin Harris said that by December, the company’s entire 270-bus fleet will have next-stop announcements – 24 of these will be new vehicles.

Provision for wheelchair users has also been stepped up, with the introduction of a ‘taxi guarantee’ in conjunction with Metro Bus.

If someone in a wheelchair is unable to board a bus, the driver contacts the company’s control room – which orders the passenger a free taxi.

They are given a leaflet to present to the wheelchair-friendly cab on arrival and will be taken to their destination bus stop.

Martin Harris, managing director of Brighton and Hove Bus Company, said: “More people travel by bus in Brighton than in any other city.

“This is all part of our plans to continue improving our services and these steps will help the driver to better assist the customer. Working with Guide Dogs was invaluable to help us learn more directly from the user and what is important to them.”

The Helping Hand scheme was also launched last month with bus companies and councils throughout the area. It means passengers who may need extra assistance – including those living with epilepsy, Alzheimer’s or dementia – can discreetly give the driver a personalised instruction card.

The free, yellow, credit-card sized information cards can include an emergency contact number and is shown to the driver as the passenger boards. So far, more than 500 have been ordered.

Messages including “please wait until seated” for passengers unsteady on their feet, “help me count my change” or “please be patient if I’m confused” can all be printed.

Visit buses.co.uk or metrobus.co.uk or call 01273 886200 for details.