Conference on May 19th to discuss transport needs

Hounslow Council will showcase a variety of improvements to transport services for disabled people at a special conference on Thursday 19 May 2011.

Able 2 Travel will bring together representatives from Transport for London (TfL), the Metropolitan Police and Metroline Bus Service, as well as resident groups Transport for All and London United, to talk to audience members about working with the council to create better access to transport facilities.

Guests will get to see new technology at work to help disabled people get access to buses, as well as have the chance to ask questions about their particular transport needs.

Group discussions about making use of the London Taxicard scheme will also take place; the council recently announced that members of the scheme in the borough will be entitled once again to receive subsidised fares again from May 1st this year.

Hounslow Council also runs a ‘Travel Buddy’ service managed by people who themselves have disabilities, who have been trained specifically to help others get around the borough safely. Many of the travel buddies will also be present on the day offering advice.

Cllr Ed Mayne, Hounslow’s lead member for crime and community safety, who will chair one session of the conference, said:

“Able 2 Travel will give people with a variety of access needs across the borough the chance to get direct answers from transport providers and see what we are doing to make their lives easier and safer.

“I look forward to hearing everyone’s thoughts on transport services for disabled people in Hounslow – we are never standing still and always looking for ways to improve this, and engaging with the community at events like this will help us to continue to advance.”

For more information or to book a place, please contact Celia Golden on 020 8583 2530 or email celia.golden@hounslow.gov.uk

May 4, 2011