UKTram have reiterated their support for an important national initiative which is aimed at helping those sleeping rough. Following previous discussions during a UKTram Light Rail Operators Committee meeting they are now encouraging their members to provide support where they notice those who are having to sleep rough.
A collaborative partnership has been set up across the public transport sector which seeks to address anti-social and criminal behaviour where it occurs, but making it very clear that rough sleeping itself is not anti-social behaviour.
Steve Duckering, UKTram Operations Manager, represents the sector at the DfT’s “Rough Sleeping on Public Transport” forum. He said: “Given the open nature of light rail infrastructure, rough sleeping may not always be visible in the same way it is across other public transport modes, however, the wider impacts of street homelessness are a daily challenge that many of our networks face.”
UKTram is actively encouraging networks to promote StreetLink’s #BeTheLink campaign which offers the public and staff something that can be done, a meaningful alternative to the “nothing we can do” approach that often results in inaction.
The simple act of reporting could lead to vital support and accommodation for someone in need. Empowering staff with the knowledge that they can act can also enhance public confidence in network safety and responsibility
To show their support, UKTram have also invited Saffron Gurden, from StreetLink, to speak about the #BeTheLink campaign at September’s Light Rail Summit.