Press Release

ORANGE WALLET SCHEME HELPS NEWPORT BUS PASSENGERS

Newport Bus is very proud to have joined the Orange Wallet Scheme. The scheme, funded by the Welsh Government, is part of the All Wales ASD strategy and is intended to help people, especially those on the Autistic Spectrum, to cope more easily with public transport.

The simple format of a bright Orange Wallet, easily recognised by Newport Bus staff, contains space for users to insert written and/or visual cards to show drivers and other staff providing a simple communication tool for those who need it.

From February 3^rd the Orange Wallets are available free of charge at the Newport Bus Travel Centre in Newport Market and at the depot on Corporation Road. Newport Bus provides pre-printed inserts with the wallet to anyone who believes they can benefit from this solution. The Information Station on Queensway is another designated collection point in Newport.

Scott Pearson, Managing Director at Newport Transport said: “At Newport Bus we always aim to help as many people as we can to use our services and we are aware that using public transport and interacting with strangers is not always straight forward for everyone. I believe this is a fantastic solution for our customers using the wallets and for our drivers. We are very happy to support ASD Info Wales in this project.”

Richard Wivell, Newport Bus supervisor said: “For drivers this is a great help. Seeing the Orange Wallet will immediately remind us to pay attention and be patient. All drivers have received a staff guide and it is very easy to use for all involved.”

Diverse Cymru, an equality led organisation which provides information and support for a wide range of people, including disabled people, have been involved in the creation of the Orange Wallet Scheme. It’s Director of Policy and Planning, Paul Warren, said, “Diverse Cymru are pleased to have been involved in the development of this initiative. We work with a large number of disabled people, many of whom have great difficulties with communication, particularly on public transport. It is our hope that other transport companies across Wales follow Newport Bus in showing the way forward for a fully accessible environment for disabled people.”

Orange Wallet users are finding great benefits from the simple solution, “I’m very grateful for all the help I’ve received and the Orange Wallet has been very useful in particular. With help from people around me I use personalised inserts to help me find my way to the station.”

The wallets, which do not provide free or discounted travel, are designed to make journeys by public transport easier for everyone with communication difficulties, people with disabilities, deaf people and those whose first language isn’t English. The wallet can be used on all forms of public transport and receive support from various transport providers across Wales.

ENDS