We’ve added hearing loops to our buses!

We marked World Hearing Day (March 3, 2024) by unveiling plans to install hearing loop technology to more than 60 of our buses – as of 2026, approximately 150 of our vehicles are fitted with hearing loops.

Hearing loops, also known as induction loops, are an assistive listening technology that helps people who wear a hearing aid to engage and communicate freely.

In 2024, Transdev began introducing new buses that had hearing loops fitted, and we committed ourselves to installing these systems on our existing vehicles based at depots in Yorkshire and Lancashire.

As of Spring 2026, approximately 150 of our buses have been fitted with hearing loops, and we’re planning to fit the rest of our vehicles by the end of the year.

Our Operations Director Vitto Pizzuti said: “Devices such as hearing aids work by amplifying all sounds – but in environments with background noise, such as when boarding our buses, this can make it difficult for those living with hearing loss to distinguish the words our drivers say.

“Hearing loops enable users to hear sound sources directly by cutting out background noise – they have proven benefits for people with a hearing disability, which is why they’ve been part of the standard specification for our new vehicles for the past two years.

These hearing loops are a crucial part of our ongoing commitment to improving the accessibility of our buses for all customers across the North of England.

Transdev buses fitted with hearing loops display the global standard ‘listening ear’ symbol, already familiar to hearing aid users worldwide.

All a user needs to do is switch their hearing aid to the ‘T’ position when boarding the bus to connect to the vehicle’s induction loop system.

Our original announcement arrived as the World Health Organisation (WHO) declared March 3 as World Hearing Day. Activities and events are held in the UK and beyond to raise awareness and make ear and hearing care a reality for all.

WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said: “Hearing loss has often been referred to as an ‘invisible disability’, not just because of the lack of visible symptoms, but because it has long been stigmatised in communities and ignored by policy makers.

“Our hearing is a precious gift, yet hearing problems are among the most common in the world, affecting people of all ages.”