New Travel Cards Aim to Make Bus Journeys Easier for Burton Residents

A simple new scheme designed to make bus travel less stressful and more accessible has arrived in Staffordshire - and Burton residents can pick up the free cards from Burton Library.

The Travel Assistance Cards are part of Staffordshire County Council’s new Celebrating Differences Inclusive Travel campaign, which aims to help people with disabilities, sight loss and neurodivergent conditions travel with greater confidence.

The pocket-sized cards allow passengers to discreetly show a bus driver the support they need, without having to explain it out loud.

Messages include requests such as asking for extra time to sit down before the bus moves off, or asking drivers to face them when speaking.

It is a straightforward idea, but one that could make a big difference for people who sometimes find public transport challenging or anxiety-inducing.

The cards were developed with people who have lived experience of disabilities, helping ensure they address real-world situations faced by passengers every day.

Councillor Martin Rogerson, Staffordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Health and Care, said the scheme had the potential to be life-changing.

He said: “Everyone should feel confident and comfortable when using public transport and the campaign and the new flash cards will help remove barriers that some residents face every day.”

The wider campaign runs until September 2026 and aims to raise awareness of the challenges some disabled passengers encounter while encouraging more inclusive practices across Staffordshire’s transport network.

Alongside the cards, the campaign provides information about accessible travel, passenger rights and training resources for transport operators.

Accessible public transport plays an important role in helping people get to work, college, medical appointments, social activities and everything in between. Small adjustments - from clear information and patient drivers to accessible vehicles and technology - can make a significant difference.

For Burton residents interested in collecting a set, the Travel Assistance Cards are available free of charge from Burton Library. They can also be downloaded from Staffordshire County Council’s website.

It is one of those rare initiatives that combines simplicity with practicality - and if a small card helps more people travel independently and confidently around Burton and beyond, that can only be a good thing.