Consultation on Accessible Transport Strategy Draft Action Plan 2009-2012

Transport Minister Conor Murphy MP, MLA has announced a Public Consultation exercise on the Accessible Transport Strategy draft Action Plan 2009–20012.

The Minister commented: “Since the Accessible Transport Strategy’s launch in 2005, good progress has been made in improving the accessibility of the transport system for older people and people with disabilities. I am, however, committed to making further improvements to build on what has been achieved.

“My Department is continuing to support accessible public transport initiatives and over the past two years has introduced the 60+ Smartpass, expanded the door-to-door scheme to Belfast and Derry, and introduced 395 new accessible buses to the Translink fleet.”

He added: “This Plan presents new actions to further improve transport services in those areas where barriers continue to prevent older people and people with disabilities from making full use of the services available.

“I hope that people will respond to this consultation and tell us if we are getting it right or if improvements can be made.”

The Mobility Inclusion Unit from the Department for Regional Development will be holding a series of public consultation meetings in Belfast, Ballymena, Cookstown, Derry, Enniskillen, Newry, and Omagh in June to discuss the draft Action Plan. These will be advertised in the local press. The consultation period will end on 7th July 2009.

If you would like to attend a meeting, or request a copy of the draft Action Plan, contact Janet Watson on 028 9054 0580, by textphone on 028 9054 0642 or by email atsinfo@drdni.gov.uk. The draft Action Plan is also available at www.drdni.gov.uk/ats

Notes to Editors:

1. The Accessible Transport Strategy (ATS) was published by DRD in 2005 with the vision: ‘to have an accessible transport system that enables older people and people with disabilities to participate more fully in society, enjoy greater independence and experience a better quality of life.’

2. In developing the ATS five main areas were identified as constituting significant barriers for older people and people with disabilities;

• the physical barriers that prevented people from accessing transport services;
• attitudinal or psychological barriers that prevent or discourage older people or people with disabilities from using transport services;
• the provision of information needed by users or potential users of accessible transport services and the way it is provided;
• the type of services required; and
• -he affordability of accessible transport services.

3. Media queries to: Press Office, Department for Regional Development, Tel 028 9054 0007. Out of office hours please contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.