In partnership with RNIB we commissioned Nyla’s Journey – a powerful new short film that reimagines transport systems designed to truly work for blind and partially sighted people.
As part of our Future Journeys project, we brought together blind and partially sighted people and experts from the transport industry to better understand the barriers of accessible transport.
Over the last year, alongside RNIB, we explored key challenges and possible solutions for a world where transport is designed with accessibility in mind. These ideas have been brought to life in the short film, Nyla’s Journey, which reimagines a world of stress-free, accessible transport.
The film captures an ambitious vision for inclusive travel, drawing on lived experience insights and learnings from industry experts. Its aim is to influence and inspire meaningful action among decision-makers across transport, technology and infrastructure.
Nyla’s Journey premiered yesterday at a film screening event at the British Library in London. Attendees included leaders from the transport, technology and infrastructure sectors, policy experts, representatives from Transport for London, and members of the sight loss community.
Following the screening, a panel debate explored future solutions and innovations in design and technology that could improve transport systems for everyone.
Nyla’s story
Nyla, a teenager with sight loss, embarks on a journey set in the near future – one where transport is safe, accessible and designed with her needs in mind.
The film imagines what seamless, independent travel for blind and partially sighted people could be like.
It shows how innovative technology, smart use of data, supportive transport passengers, and environments designed with all senses in mind could transform the experience of travelling both on foot and using public transport.
Nyla embarks on a journey in the near future where transport is safe and accessible for blind and partially sighted people.
Why is this video important?
RNIB research shows that one in three blind and partially sighted people rarely or never use public transport.
People with sight loss encounter systemic barriers during daily journeys, including inaccessible trains and bus stops, lack of public awareness, and street clutter such as parked cars. Alongside challenges with assistive technology, changes to public transport systems are making travel harder and more dangerous for the two million people in the UK living with sight loss.
Nyla’s Journey shows what’s possible when accessibility is designed in from the start, not added as an afterthought.
“Nyla’s Story shows what a better transport system could look like”
Simon Antrobus, RNIB CEO, said:
“Working with the Motability Foundation, RNIB formed a unique Future Journeys partnership with a united purpose to create innovative solutions that will make future journey’s more accessible for blind and partially sighted people. The power of co-creation was vital in the making of the film.
“We need a shift in mindset as research shows one in five of us will experience sight loss. The film shows what the future could look like and where we are now, right now people with sight loss face problems navigating the streets, are worried to board buses and fearful of being stranded at train stations.
“Nyla’s Story shows what a better transport system could look like. One that's designed with accessibility in mind, utilising technology and streets designed that makes it easier for people with sight loss to travel independently and safely. Today’s transport system risks leaving blind and partially people behind.”
“Make confident and safe travel a reality for everyone”
Nigel Fletcher, CEO the Motability Foundation, said:
“Nyla’s Journey brings to life what truly inclusive travel could look like for blind and partially sighted people. As someone who is partially sighted myself, I know how just how important it is to be able to travel safely, independently and confidently. This film shows that with the right design, technology and support, those things are entirely achievable.
“At the Motability Foundation, we’re proud to be working alongside RNIB on Future Journeys to inspire real change. Accessible transport isn’t just a ‘nice to have’ — it’s essential for people to live full, independent lives.
“We want this project to encourage decision-makers across the transport sector to think differently and act boldly to make confident and safe travel a reality for everyone.”
Learn more about Future Journeys
The short film is part of Future Journeys, a bold project delivered in partnership by RNIB and the Motability Foundation, which explores how journeys could be better for people with sight loss.
If you’d like to collaborate on the next steps of this project, get in touch via the Future Journeys website.