Sight Scotland calls for free train travel for companions of visually impaired people

dailyrecord.co.uk:

A charity that supports people who are blind and visually impaired is calling on MSPs to get behind its campaign for free rail travel for them and their companions.Central Scotland MSP Graham Simpson is backing Sight Scotland, and Sight Scotland Veterans’ Fair Rail Campaign after it was debated in the chamber of the Scottish Parliament during December.Freedom of information requests made by the charity revealed that while most local authorities and SPT offer free or discounted rail travel for the companions of blind or partially sighted people, only seven said they offered a discount to companions, and none offered free companion travel.The Lanarkshire Live app is available to download now.

Get all the news from your area – as well as features, entertainment, sport and the latest on Lanarkshire’s recovery from the coronavirus pandemic – straight to your fingertips, 24/7.The free download features the latest breaking news and exclusive stories, and allows you to customise your page to the sections that matter most to you.Head to the App Store and never miss a beat in Lanarkshire - iOS - Android The campaign for a new national policy comes as Sight Scotland and Sight Scotland Veterans have been contacted by people with sight loss who are concerned about the inconsistency across Scotland around rail travel concessions for their companions.

Feedback found public information about concessionary schemes and companion discounts is misleading and is causing confusion to both passengers and rail staff.Craig Spalding, Chief Executive of Sight Scotland and Sight Scotland Veterans, said: “We are urging MSPs to back our Fair Rail Campaign when it is debated in Parliament. "For most people living with a visual impairment, public