MSP for Central Scotland and the Shadow Minister for Transport, Graham Simpson, yesterday (13th December) won a promise from the Transport Minister that free rail travel for the companions of blind and partially sighted people will be considered by the Scottish Government next year.
Mr Simpson’s call came during a Members Business debate, where MSPs from across the chamber joined him in backing Sight Scotland’s Fair Rail Campaign.
The Tory MSP shared with colleagues the ‘postcode lottery’ blind and partially sighted people face when it comes to travelling with a companion across Scotland’s different local authorities.
In his own region of Central Scotland, he explained how Falkirk Council offers no discount for companions, whereas the Strathclyde Partnership for Transport offers half price tickets – adding to the complexity and confusion.
Mr Simpson also explained how passengers on trains are often at the mercy of train staff knowing about the schemes in order to access them and that at unmanned stations asking someone often isn’t an option.
He added that for so many blind and partially sighted people, having a companion can ‘mean the difference between travelling or not’. He also argued that the £2 million estimate by Sight Scotland to implement a national policy for companions was ‘a small price to pay’.
In response to Mr Simpson, Transport Minister Jenny Gilruth acknowledged that the inequity between rail and bus in terms of companion schemes ‘was not fair’.
She added that Transport Scotland will conduct a review specifically on this issue, as part of the Fair Fares Review, and report back early next year.
MSP for Central Scotland, Graham Simpson said: “A lack of national policy for free rail travel for companions of blind and partially sighted people in causing anguish for passengers and rail staff.
“It’s clear to me that having a companion can ultimately make the difference of someone being able to make a journey or not.
“I thank MSPs from across the chamber for participating in the debate and joining me in urging the Scottish Government to introduce a national policy.
“Introducing this scheme would be a small price to pay and hugely beneficial to blind and partially sighted residents in Lanarkshire and across Scotland.
“The Transport Minister’s response was positive and I look forward to working closely with her as this policy develops”.
