Pembrokeshire People First have produced an explanatory video to support the launch of the UK’s first ‘easier to read’ bus timetables, created by Pembrokeshire County Council and Hywel Dda University Health Board.
The new timetables use images to highlight key information, making the travelling experience easier and more enjoyable for all, including people with limited vision and with learning disabilities and/or autism. A 12-hour clock face replaces 24-hour clock times, a simple icon shows when no bus is available and photos of the bus stops in context, sit next to the bus stop names.
The new timetables were created in response to the council’s community public transport review in 2016, identifying the need for them to be visually clearer and understandable.
Members of Pembrokeshire People First were consulted during the timetable re-design process for feedback on specifics to ensure everyone’s needs were met. Also as part of their Living Skills programme, they worked in collaboration with Life Seeker CIC to perfect a script and storyboard before producing the explanatory video as a team.
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As well as providing a useful resource for the Pembrokeshire community, this project has enabled PPF members with learning disabilities and/or autism to develop basic media skills in addition to essential life skills such as self-confidence, creativity, resilience, verbal presentation and team work.
James Dash, co-chair of the Learning Disability Programme Group, explains why it’s important to consult widely during a project like this,
“It’s so important for the voices of people with learning disabilities to be at the centre of all decisions. It has been great to see each member get involved with this.”
Mel Marshalsey from the Health Board Learning Disabilities Service is delighted that the video can support the four-month consultation period,
“The video is excellent and explains so clearly how to use the timetables. For a lot of people it will be the vital tool that enables them to be able to use the timetables independently which is a huge part of the reason we made them in the first place.”
Pembrokeshire County Council is now inviting members of the community to feedback on the new timetable format until April 30.
The survey and video is available on the council website at: https://www.pembrokeshire.gov.uk/have-your-say/easier-to-read-bus-timetable
Printed copies of the easier to read timetables can be obtained by calling 01437 776313 or emailing: [email protected]