COMPANIONS of blind and partially sighted people will receive free ScotRail train travel under a new pilot scheme.
Beginning on April 1, people with an eye +1 national entitlement card will be able to travel with a companion at no additional cost.
The pilot scheme will run for a year and will apply across Scotland.
Equalities Minister Kaukab Stewart launched the initiative at Anniesland station in Glasgow on Wednesday.
She said: “I am genuinely delighted to be launching this pilot, which is testament to the hard work by all those involved in the campaign to bring this about.
“Making rail travel more accessible and affordable for people with sight loss is an important step in helping them access communities, education and employment.”
Claire Dickie, ScotRail’s commercial director, said: “At ScotRail, we are committed to improving accessibility and ensuring that our services are as inclusive as possible for all customers.
“This trial initiative is an important step towards making travel easier for those who rely on assistance when using our services.”
The scheme has been hailed as "life-changing" by visual impairment charity Sight Scotland, which has been calling for such a move for the last two years through their Fair Rail Campaign.
Craig Spalding, chief executive of Sight Scotland and Sight Scotland Veterans, said: “We are delighted that the Scottish Government is introducing this pilot. After over two years of campaigning, this is a significant achievement for our Fair Rail Campaign.
"Thanks to collaboration with ScotRail and Transport Scotland, rail travel will become more accessible and affordable for people with sight loss across Scotland.
“For many visually impaired individuals, public transport is essential, yet travelling alone is often not an option, and the cost of a companion ticket can be prohibitive
"This new policy will make a real difference, supporting rehabilitation, promoting independence, and ensuring that people with vision impairments remain connected with their communities.”
