Helping Hand

The Helping Hand Scheme is designed to give our customers a helping hand when using our bus services; a simple way to help our drivers help you.

The credit card sized information card holds a brief written instruction for the driver that can be shown upon boarding the bus. The driver is made aware of the customer's needs or requirements quickly, directly and discreetly without the customer having to verbally communicate it.

The scheme can be very helpful for customers with non-visible disabilities and many customers are now using the card off the bus; in taxis, shops and leisure establishments like the cinema.

For example, "Please face me I lip read" can help anywhere at any time.

The Helping Hand Scheme is administered by Brighton & Hove Buses and Metrobus in partnership with:

Southdown PSV, Compass Travel, Stagecoach, Big Lemon, Dementia Friendly Crawley, West Sussex County Council, Surrey County Council, East Sussex County Council, Brighton & Hove City Council, Streamline Taxis and City Cabs Brighton.

Some examples:

Please wait until seated

For the customer that may need time to find a seat in priority seating before the driver pulls away. This is very helpful for customers with non-visible disabilities. 
Pushchair can't be folded This card is helpful for customers who have extra special requirements such as a pushchair with oxygen or other medical equipment being carried.
I have epilepsy For passengers who may wish to discreetly advise a staff member of a medical condition; helping to make them feel more confident when travelling.
Priority seating required This card is particularly helpful for customers with non-visible disabilities. This has helped to advise the driver, although some customers have also advised fellow travellers by using the card.
Reverse of card The reverse of the card can display, if required, the customer's name and emergency contact number. This is optional, but it can offer assurance and instil confidence, that if needed, someone they know can be called upon for help. This is especially relevant for customers living with epilepsy, Alzheimer's or dementia.

We provide further examples on our application form, although we will discuss with you personally your requirements, and create bespoke designs on request.

How to apply for Helping Hand

Applying is easy by clicking here (this link will take you through to the Brighton & Hove Bus Company website)

Or by ringing 01293 449191 where a customer service advisor will be happy to help and post out an application form.