Translink Social Value for a better connected north-west

Translink and Vix Technology, in partnership with Empatheyes and local visual impairment charity AngelEyes NI, recently hosted a Social Value session to help better serve the community in Derry.

The event brought together Translink staff, local stakeholders, including the Mayor of Derry City and Strabane, accessibility advocates, and young people with visual impairments to showcase ongoing efforts to make public transport truly accessible for everyone.

This work is complementary to the Sighted Guidance provided to Translink by GuideDogsNI.

The initial session saw over 20 local bus drivers and inspectors focusing on practical ways to support passengers with visual impairments.

Drivers and inspectors participated in an immersive virtual reality training experience facilitated by Empatheyes and designed to deepen their understanding of the challenges faced by visually impaired passengers. The session simulated real-world scenarios, helping staff to:

• Experience public transport from the perspective of someone with a visual impairment.
• Learn best practices for offering assistance, including clear communication and guidance.
• Understand the importance of accessible information, both audible and visual, throughout the journey.

This hands-on training empowers frontline staff to deliver a more empathetic and informed service, reinforcing Translink’s commitment to accessibility and inclusion.

The afternoon event featured a dynamic mix of presentations, demonstrations, and interactive activities, including information on the rollout of new Audio Visual and Digital Passenger information displays.

Attendees were able to experience these technologies first-hand, assess their effectiveness, and provide feedback. A practical bus tour showcased how accessible information is delivered in real-world settings.

Sara-Jane McCracken, CEO, Angel Eyes NI, said: “It was fantastic to partner with Translink and VIX Technology on such an innovative and inclusive event, allowing Translink staff to experience first-hand what it’s like to live with different eye conditions and to understand the daily challenges that passengers with sight loss can face when travelling.

“Later in the day, young people with vision impairment and their families explored Translink’s new accessible technology, including audio bus stop announcements, Braille and large print information.

Attendees, including the Mayor of Derry City and Strabane, Cllr Ruairí McHugh, at the recent social value and accesibility event in Derry.

“This holistic approach, training those behind the wheel and listening directly to those who travel, is what inclusion looks like. It shows how technology and empathy together can make public transport accessible, safe, and accessible for everyone.” 

Matthew Wilks, Business Development Director, Vix Technology, said: “The event was a resounding success, with fantastic engagement from both bus drivers and attendees from the afternoon session. Their feedback and suggestions were invaluable, and we’ll be taking this forward as we continue to develop a more inclusive and accessible transport network for everyone.”

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The French delegation comprised approximately 30 Mayors, Deputy Mayors, and Councillors from the Puisaye-Forterre region (Yonne department, Bourgogne-Franche-Comté), including a French Senator

Tori Croft, Programme Manager, Translink, said: “It was a privilege to see our teams, partners, and the community come together for the Social Value Day in Foyle. This event demonstrated the power of collaboration - combining innovative technology, immersive training, and direct feedback from those with lived experience.

"The insights and enthusiasm shared by our staff, partners, and young people with visual impairments will continue to shape our journey towards true inclusion and accessible public transport for all.”