Traveling Challenges for Disabled Bus Pass Users
A student of disabled photography, Dan Bowhay, has traveled over 850 miles across England to highlight the difficulties faced by disabled Bus Pass users. Dan, who is visually impaired, took on this challenge to show the world what it’s like to rely on public transportation with a disability.
The Journey
Dan traveled up to 10 hours a day, taking 26 buses from Land’s End to Berwick-Upon-Tweed over 10 days. He documented his entire journey, creating a 10-hour film in the style of "Slow Cinema," which aims to show "how painful it is to travel by bus." The film is a unique way to raise awareness about the challenges faced by disabled individuals who rely on public transportation.
Restrictions and Limitations
The restrictions on Dan’s bus pass meant that he could only travel on weekdays after 9:00 a.m. and could not enter Scotland or Wales. These limitations made his journey even more challenging, as he had to plan his route carefully to ensure he could reach his destinations. Dan, who developed cataracts in both eyes at the age of four, has limited vision, which made it even harder for him to navigate the bus system.
Personal Struggles
Dan shared that due to the lack of public transportation, he often finds it difficult to leave his house. He said, "I visit a lot of hospital appointments in Southampton, and it’s quite impossible to get there independently." This highlights the need for more accessible and reliable public transportation for disabled individuals.
Challenges Faced During the Journey
During his trip, Dan encountered several challenges, including delays of up to 40 minutes, difficulty scanning his bus pass, and long waits for connections. He also found that only three of the 26 buses had audio announcements and visual displays, making it hard for him to know where he was and when to get off. Dan had to spend a lot of time looking out of the window, trying to figure out where he was and when to get off the bus.
Call to Action
Dan is calling for more investment in bus services and greater understanding of the challenges faced by disabled people when using public transportation. He hopes that his film will raise awareness and inspire change, making it easier for disabled individuals to travel independently.
The Film
The film will be shown at the AUB summer show from July 10th to 21st and at Aberrations Collective’s Show in Copeland Gallery, London, from July 31 to August 3. Dan’s documentary is a unique and powerful way to raise awareness about the challenges faced by disabled Bus Pass users, and it’s an important step towards creating a more accessible and inclusive public transportation system.
