A flagship city bus service in Sunderland has been fitted with audio visual technology to benefit passengers with disabilities.
It will also be of benefit to international visitors and the city’s students.
The public transport body Nexus has installed the new technology.
The Connect 700/701 route, which was launched in 2011, is funded by a unique partnership between Sunderland City Council, the University of Sunderland and Nexus.
The AV system allows text to be displayed on a digital screen which tells passengers which location they are approaching and which stop is next.
This is accompanied by on-board audio announcements which provides the same information, as is already the case on the Metro and rail networks.
Managing Director of Nexus, Tobyn Hughes, said: “This new facility will help make these buses even more attractive to passengers.
“The benefit of audio visual information on bus and at bus stops will give more confidence to passengers in particular those blind or partially-sighted who may be unsure of where they are on a journey or when to get off or on.”
Sunderland City Council Portfolio Holder for City Services, Cllr Michael Mordey said: “We welcome the addition of this new service to our public transport system, with our long-term commitment with partners to provide accessible services.
“We want to encourage more people to use the bus and this new technology will help attract new passengers, because the screens and on-board announcements will be able to direct those previously unsure of how best to get to their destinations.”
A University of Sunderland spokesperson said: “The 700/701 route is an essential link between the University’s two Sunderland campuses situated on both sides of the river, and it is also invaluable for a students in travelling to and from lectures and their halls of residence. This new technology will only serve to enhance the student experience at the University.”
The 700/701 bus service, which is operated by Go North East on behalf of the partnership, features familiar ‘green’ vehicles with distinctive branding and environmentally-friendly hybrid engines to keep down emissions.
It connects major city centre attractions and amenities in Sunderland, including the Stadium of Light and Aquatic Centre, St Peter’s and the National Glass Centre, the Winter Gardens and Royal Hospital.
It also links to student halls in Millfield and is a link for residents living near Dame Dorothy Street, and Sunderland Marina, giving residents and visitors access to the seafront.
The full route runs from Park Lane interchange via the University’s City Campus on Chester Road, Royal Hospital and Hylton Road to student halls in Millfield.
It crosses the Wearmouth Bridge, stopping at the St Peter’s Metro Station, before passing the Stadium of Light and Aquatic Centre, continuing to the National Glass Centre and St Peter’s Campus.
It comes back into the city, through Sunniside and past the Museum and Winter Gardens to Park Lane Interchange.