Free rail travel for blind people plans hailed

LEADING sight loss charities have hailed the Scottish Government’s “life-changing” decision to provide free rail travel for blind and partially sighted people and their companions.

Sight Scotland, and its sister charity Sight Scotland Veterans, have been campaigning through its Fair Rail Campaign for this result for over two years. In its recently published Fair Fares Review, Transport Scotland says it plans to launch a pilot project to extend free rail travel for companions of Blind Persons Concessionary Travel cardholders.

This policy change will have a profound impact on the lives of visually impaired individuals across Scotland, many of whom depend on public transport for mobility and independence.

Craig Spalding, Chief Executive of Sight Scotland and Sight Scotland Veterans, said: “We are delighted the Scottish Government has announced a pilot project which will see free rail travel for blind and partially sighted people and their companions.

“After over two years of campaigning, this is a great win for our Fair Rail campaign and another step towards accessible rail travel for all.

“Through our Fair Rail Campaign, we have been able to amplify the voices of visually impaired individuals and highlight the barriers they face whilst travelling. For most people living with a visual impairment, public transport is the only means they have to make journeys around the country.

“Unfortunately for many travelling without a companion is just not an option, and the costs to pay fares is too much. This news will be transformative, both in terms of inclusivity and affordability, and we would like to commend Transport Scotland for actively listening to a segment of society that is regrettably overlooked far too often.”

Graham Simpson MSP, Shadow Minister for Transport, who backed the campaign and led a debate in the Scottish Parliament on the Fair Rail Campaign, added: "This is good news.

“We have been campaigning for the companions of blind people to get free rail travel for some time, so this is a step in the right direction. The Scottish Government must now commit to ensuring there is a nationwide scheme as soon as possible."

The Fair Rail Campaign was launched over two years ago and called for a new national policy for free rail travel across Scotland for the companions of those with a National (Scotland) Concessionary Travel for Blind Persons card.

For more information please visit https://sightscotland.org.uk/FairRail