Partner Article

Volunteers sought for transport pilot

Adults with learning difficulties are to benefit from a new scheme aimed at helping them gain the confidence to use public transport. Specially trained volunteers will accompany people with learning difficulties on buses and Metros in order to show them how to use the network. This includes showing them what fares to pay, how to use ticket machines and help them to understand bus and Metro station signage.

The Nexus funded scheme is being delivered in conjunction with Gateshead Council over the next 12 months - and if it proves successful, could be rolled out to other parts of Tyneside and Wearside.

Volunteers are now being sought to undertake the extensive period of training, which is required to become a public transport ‘partner’. Nexus hopes the scheme will go live some time in early 2007 once the training process has been completed.

Travel Development Officer at Nexus, Irene Storey, said: “People with learning difficulties can benefit from a little bit of independence and this is what the ‘Partners in Travel’ scheme is all about. “We want to give them the confidence and security to use buses and the Metro to get about, especially as many of them have jobs and would prefer to get there under their own steam rather than always rely on their carers.”

Anyone who is interested in volunteering for the public transport buddy scheme should contact Irene Storey at Nexus on 0191 203 3292.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Ruth Mitchell .