Visually impaired residents help shape bus information improvements in West Northamptonshire

12 October 2026

People from NAB Sight Support for Northamptonshire have tested new electronic bus information displays in West Northamptonshire and given feedback on how they can be improved further.

They joined West Northamptonshire Council and Stagecoach Midlands for a trip from Moulton Park to bus stops featuring the new ePaper displays.

These are being installed across the area through Bus Service Improvement Plan (BSIP) funding and provide live bus information.

NAB Chief Executive, Louise Danielczuk, read about the new technology and contacted the Council to find out more. Working with Stagecoach Midlands, the Council arranged for members of the organisation to see the displays in action and experience the technology for themselves.

During the trip, participants tested the displays at different locations and shared feedback based on their experience. Suggestions included improvements to contrast settings and greater consistency in the positioning of bus stop equipment. The feedback has been passed on to suppliers and will help inform future improvements.

Louise said: “We were delighted to be invited to work with Stagecoach Midlands and West Northamptonshire Council on this project and to engage some of those living with a visual impairment in looking at how the service will improve accessibility across the town.

“As a local charity supporting people with sight loss, it is vital that we empower our clients to have a voice and contribute to the development of services like this.

“We welcomed the opportunity to learn more about the new technology and to help shape its future design and delivery and we look forward to future opportunities to work together to make travel across Northamptonshire more accessible for people living with a visual impairment.”

The visit also gave participants an opportunity to experience electric bus travel and learn more about how real-time information can support independent travel and help reduce isolation within the visually impaired community.

Cllr Richard Butler, West Northamptonshire Council’s Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport, said: "One of the best ways to improve public transport is to listen to the people who use it.

“We’re really grateful to NAB members for taking the time to try out the new displays and share their views.

“Their feedback will help us make these facilities even more accessible, while giving more people the confidence to travel independently and stay connected to their communities."

Patrick Stringer, Stagecoach Midlands Commercial Director, added: “It was a pleasure to demonstrate the new electric buses and electronic displays to members of the NAB.

“Making sure that our services are as accessible and inclusive as possible is really important to us and we are grateful for the feedback from NAB on how recent investments are being received and can be further improved.

“The feedback will be useful as we plan for the future and will help us make the bus even easier to use."