Travel mentoring in Croydon

A travel mentoring service has been launched in Croydon. It is aimed at helping disabled Londoners make the most of the capital by using the London bus network. The ‘Bus Days’ provide disabled Londoners with the opportunity to experience independent travel on a London bus in a safe and controlled environment. They are run as part of a collaboration between TfL, the Metropolitan Police Safer Transport Team, Arriva, Croydon Care Solutions and Croydon Council. The new scheme is one of nine similar projects already in place across the city and is part of a huge programme of work by TfL to make the transport network accessible to everyone. The sessions see travel mentors show participants how to use all the information at a bus stop and provide advice on crossing the road safely. Police officers also act out real life scenarios during the session that passengers may encounter on their bus journey.

TfL’s Director of Buses, Mike Weston, said, ‘We are delighted to be part of the team that is bringing “Bus Days” to Croydon for the first time. They provide a great opportunity for disabled Londoners to experience travelling on a bus in a supportive environment. We hope those who take part in this innovative scheme will find it a useful experience that will enable them to travel independently on the bus network in future.’