Making the case for independent travel Hearing the news that a fellow visually impaired traveller lost his life after falling off the edge of a train platform makes me shudder. Just 12 months before that accident, I found myself in a similar situation but improved communication and better understanding could prevent others being put at risk. In March 2019 I had to use a neighbouring train station as my line was closed. I’d never done a trip from there solo before as I usually had my trusty guide dog Kika by my side. That day, I only had my white cane for company. Familiar enough with the way into the station, I made my way up the ramp to the platform but then it almost all went wrong. I had no idea how far I could walk before I reached the edge of the platform and the train tracks. Why? Because there were no tactile markers on the floor.