CLondoner92 (New Account)<p>Minister for Equalities Kaukab Stewart has launched a pilot scheme providing free <a href="https://mastodonapp.uk/tags/rail" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">#<span>rail</span></a> travel for companions of blind and partially sighted individuals on all <a href="https://mastodonapp.uk/tags/ScotRail" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">#<span>ScotRail</span></a> journeys across <a href="https://mastodonapp.uk/tags/Scotland" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">#<span>Scotland</span></a>, starting 1 April 2025. Announced at <a href="https://mastodonapp.uk/tags/Anniesland" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">#<span>Anniesland</span></a> Station in Glasgow, the initiative allows those with an eye +1 National Entitlement Card to travel with a companion at no extra cost, aiming to enhance <a href="https://mastodonapp.uk/tags/accessibility" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">#<span>accessibility</span></a> and affordability for visually impaired passengers. Running for one year, the scheme aligns with existing concessionary travel policies for <a href="https://mastodonapp.uk/tags/buses" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">#<span>buses</span></a> and ferries in Scotland. Ms Stewart highlighted its importance for community access, education, and employment, while Craig Spalding, Chief Executive of <a href="https://mastodonapp.uk/tags/Sight" class="mention hashtag" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">#<span>Sight</span></a> Scotland, noted the significant achievement of the Fair Rail Campaign, emphasising the positive impact on independence and community connection for visually impaired individuals.<br><a href="https://www.transport.gov.scot/news/minister-for-equalities-launches-blind-companion-pilot-scheme/" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" translate="no" target="_blank"><span class="invisible">https://www.</span><span class="ellipsis">transport.gov.scot/news/minist</span><span class="invisible">er-for-equalities-launches-blind-companion-pilot-scheme/</span></a></p>