Blackpool Transport Win Collaboration Award

The Guide Dogs Annual Awards ceremony took place at the Hurlingham Club in London on 17th May 2017.

Among those honoured for their amazing achievements at the awards ceremony were guide dogs and their owners, My Guide Partnerships and many of the fantastic people and organisations that support the work of the charity.

Blackpool Transport is one such organization, scooping the Collaboration Award at this year’s ceremony.

When guide dog Tim injured his nose on a local bus, Blackpool Transport took it upon themselves not only to make sure it would never happen again but also to improve sight loss awareness on transport all around Blackpool.

Drivers and conductors have been given detailed training to not only raise awareness of the issues a guide dog and their owner face whilst travelling around the town but also what they can do to make the journey experience that little but easier and more pleasant for both the dog and the owner.

Jane Cole, Managing Director at Blackpool Transport said “We’re delighted to have won this year’s Collaboration Award. It has been a real team effort in ensuring that our staff are better able to cater to the needs of those who need it most. Our frontline staff feel empowered and more confident in carrying out their jobs, and I can only thank Sue, Nicky & Jo, three guide dog owners who have given up their spare time to be a part of the training and education process. The resulting changes have vastly improved the experience of public transport in the area for people with sight loss.”

Blackpool Transports recently launched mobile app, developed by Passenger Technology Group (PTG) has also received praise from customers with visual impairments. The app, coupled with Android and iPhone standard text to speech and accessibility options provides an ‘exceptionally good experience’. 

Guide dogs for the Blind was Blackpool Transports nominated charity partner for 2016, who raised over £5,000 throughout the year to fund the training of their very own guide dog puppy, aptly named “Starr” after their tram depot at Starr Gate.