The county council's annual Celebrating Differences campaign is focusing this year on how public transport can better serve people with physical disabilities, learning disabilities, sensory needs and neurodiversity. The theme was chosen by the Staffordshire Disability, Neurodiversity and Sensory Partnership Board, based on feedback from people with lived experience.
Why it matters
For many residents, the bus is a lifeline - getting people to work, college, medical appointments or just out into their community. Accessible transport helps people stay independent, but those with disabilities say they want to see more understanding and patience from fellow passengers and better infrastructure at stops.
Real stories from real passengers
Three Staffordshire residents have shared their experiences of using local bus services as part of the campaign:
- Lachlan relies on buses to get to his volunteering roles. He talks about what works well and what still needs to improve for bus travel to be truly accessible.
- Paul, who is blind, describes how he has built confidence using public transport - and how small actions from bus drivers can make a real difference. He also highlights how digital tools are helping him travel more independently.
- Nicola, who has a physical disability, champions accessible transport across Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent. She explains why bus stop infrastructure must meet legal standards, and how something as simple as a broken stop bell can affect a passenger's safety and comfort.
A new app to help passengers
The council has commissioned local firm JMW Services Ltd to develop an app designed to help disabled passengers use bus services across the county. The app covers bus and stop tracking and is aimed at people with learning disabilities, visual impairments and neurodivergent users. Members of the campaign have been directly involved in shaping the app to make sure it works for the people who need it most.
Source: staffordshire.gov.uk
