16 Guide Dog puppies will take an important step towards supporting independent and confident travel this week, participating in a practical public transport training experience hosted by CDC NSW at Rouse Hill and delivered in partnership with Guide Dogs NSW/ACT.
The practical training session provides future Guide Dogs and their volunteer handlers with valuable exposure to real-world transport environments, helping develop the skills, confidence and resilience required to support people who live with blindness or low vision to navigate their communities safely and independently.
Under the guidance of experienced trainers, the puppies will participate in a practical public transport experience that includes boarding and disembarking buses, guiding their handlers to available seating, remaining calm while travelling, and adapting to the sights, sounds and movements of a busy public transport environment.
As part of this exercise, the group will travel along the T-Way to a Sydney Metro station where they will be introduced to busy train station environments, public announcements, crowds, escalators and other everyday scenarios commonly encountered by Guide Dog handlers.
The experience reflects a shared commitment between CDC NSW and Guide Dogs NSW/ACT to ensure public transport remains accessible, inclusive and welcoming for all members of the community.
CDC NSW General Manager Region 4, Ravinder Singh, said the initiative demonstrates how transport operators can play a practical role in supporting greater accessibility and social inclusion.
“Public transport is more than a way to get from one place to another. For many people, it is the key to accessing employment, education, healthcare and community life. We’re proud to support Guide Dogs NSW/ACT to help prepare the next generation of Guide Dogs and support more inclusive travel outcomes for people who live with blindness or low vision.”
“Providing these puppies with exposure to real transport environments helps build familiarity and confidence while also highlighting the importance of creating networks that are accessible and welcoming for everyone.”
The partnership demonstrates a shared commitment to creating more inclusive, accessible communities and ensuring public transport safe and welcoming space for all passengers.
