Operators partner to banish bus boarding barriers
Two operators have joined up with Swindon Borough Council for a special event to help ensure accessibility to the region’s bus services.
Go-Ahead Group-owned Swindon’s Bus Company and Stagecoach West have taken part in a session designed to make boarding buses a simple and straightforward process for people with learning disabilities, and for those with autism. Representatives from both operators were also on-hand to receive feedback about its services from those attending the event, which was organised by Swindon Borough Council, along with Experts by Experience on the Learning Disability Partnership. Swindon Borough Council sees the two-way conversation as essential to making transport better.
“We want public transport to be truly inclusive” – Swindon’s Bus Company general manager, Andrew Sherrington
“Buses, and other public transport, are at the heart of how many of us live our lives – helping us get to work, school or college, healthcare commitments, and social events,” said Swindon’s Bus Company general manager, Andrew Sherrington.
“We want public transport to be truly inclusive, and those with learning disabilities or autism to be able to travel as confidently as other passengers. At present, there are people with disabilities – some of which we can’t necessarily see – who don’t feel confident, and we want to change that.
“Our team found the event incredibly useful, in terms of understanding the needs and concerns of those attending. We hope bringing the bus along also gave people the opportunity to familiarise themselves with the bus boarding process – and that they will be travelling with us across Swindon very soon.”
“It is really important that we have a public transport service that is accessible to all” – Cllr Chris Watts, Swindon Borough Council’s cabinet member for the Environment and Transport
Cllr Chris Watts, Swindon Borough Council’s cabinet member for the Environment and Transport, said: “It is really important that we have a public transport service that is accessible to all, so I am really pleased we were able to connect members of the Experts by Experience group with the bus companies so they could explain at first hand some of the challenges they face and what could make life easier for them.
“The starting point for behavioural change has to be a desirable service. We are also inviting the community to engage with the bus companies through the Get Swindon Moving Community Group, and you can find more information at letstalk.swindon.gov.uk/public-transport-in-the-community.”