A BUS operator which supplies transport for Bury has relaunched a scheme aimed at making using the bus easier for vulnerable passengers.

First Manchester’s ‘Safe Journey Cards’ and ‘Better Journey Cards’ aims to help people use public transport where previously they have faced difficulties.

The cards allow the passenger to discreetly communicate a specific message to the driver, including but not limited to: ‘Please scan my pass for me,’ ‘Please count out my change with me’ and ‘Please wait for me to sit down’.

Managing Director of First Manchester, Teresa Broxton, said: “Quite often people want to ask for assistance, but they’re unsure how best to do it.

“While customers can, of course, just ask for any help they need, not everyone finds this easy, or is able to speak clearly.

“In these instances, these cards give people a way of asking for assistance in a simple, easy and discreet way.”

She added feedback about the cards was “exclusively positive” and that she wanted to remind customers of their availability, so if a passenger chooses to use them they can travel by bus with more confidence.

Roland Chesters, from Disability Action Alliance, who worked with First Bus and charity Age UK in 2009 to introduce the journey cards, said: “We are extremely proud to support one of its members, First Bus, in the relaunch of its Safe Journey Cards and Better Journey Cards.

“For many people with disabilities, travelling on public transport can be a challenge.

“However, right across the country, including in Manchester, we’ve received plaudits from our members who are using the Journey Cards and reporting safer and more pleasant experiences on First Bus services.”

John Birtwistle, President of the bus industry’s trade body, the Confederation of Passenger Transport, said: “First Bus has led the industry in improving services for those with disabilities or travel difficulties. The company’s Journey Cards are a fantastic example of outstanding customer service and having been adopted by CPT are now being rolled out by many bus operators across the UK.”

Safe Journey Cards and Better Journey Cards are free of charge and can be printed directly from the First Bus website at: https://www.firstgroup.com/uploads/node_images/Safe_Journey_Card.pdf and https://www.firstgroup.com/uploads/node_images/Better_Journey_Card.pdf.