Transport for LondonTravel Assistance Scheme ensures freedom of travel for all
Jagdish lost his sight in 1996 while he was working in Kenya.
When he returned to London he soon became isolated at his home in Crouch End in the borough of Haringey.
Until, that is, he contacted his local Social Services Sensory Impairment team and got involved with the Haringey Phoenix Group in Wood Green - a charity that helps partially sighted and blind people in the surrounding area, where he helps out using his IT skills as a volunteer.
Jagdish said: 'A colleague from the Impairment team who is also a member of the Haringey Phoenix Group would come and pick me up and travel with me to Wood Green and do the same on my return journey.
'But I found that my movements were restricted, especially when he failed to turn up.
Patience
'I was so scared to venture out on my own.
'With time, I learnt about the TfL Travel Assistance Scheme.
'They take their time and are very patient and trained me on the routes.'
Soon Jagdish was using the Underground from Wood Green to Hounslow on his own.
He attributed the confidence from the training that he received from his travel assistant.
Confidence
'I use the bus a lot to take my children to the cinema and they enjoy listening to the audio announcements on the bus [officially known as iBus].
'The audio announcements saying where the bus is going and stop names each time a bus stops, has further boosted my confidence to travel alone.
'The volume is perfect and messages audible even when people are talking loudly on the bus.
'On many occasions, the drivers are very helpful too.
'Bus drivers do a difficult job but if you ask them politely, they are very eager to help.
'I'm very grateful to drivers particularly on route W3.
Information
'I have never come across a driver who has let me down.'
There are currently around 2,000 London buses fitted with iBus equipment.
Over the next two years, London Buses will be rolling out the new iBus system across the capital, with all 8,000 buses on all 700 routes being fitted with iBus equipment.
Which is good news for Jagdish and the thousands of other Londoners in the capital who depend on these improvements.
- For more information on making use of the Travel Assistance Scheme, call 020 7027 5822
What is the Travel Assistance Scheme?
The scheme aims to give disabled Londoners the information and confidence they need to make more use of accessible public transport. It offers advice on planning a journey using an accessible route, and can provide someone to come with you for the first few times to help you become an independent traveller.
What does the scheme offer?
Short-term assistance to help passengers gain confidence and travel independently.
Who can use the scheme?
All disabled people over the age of 18, living in Greater London.
When is it available?
Monday to Friday from 8:00 to 18:00 and is free of charge.
