Transport for Greater Manchester are inviting disabled people and those living with long-term health conditions to apply to join a leading, well-established advisory group helping to make public transport accessible to all.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
The Disability Design Reference Group (DDRG) play a crucial role in shaping the Bee Network so it can best support people getting around the city-region. The group was set-up in 2008 and is managed by disabled people\u2019s organisation Breakthough UK on behalf of TfGM.<\/p>\n
Members on the DDRG have had a hand in design of key Bee Network infrastructure over the years. This has included Stockport Interchange, Tyldesley Travel Hub, customer travel information, and concessionary travel and ticketing. They also got involved in various Metrolink improvements such as stop upgrades.<\/p>\n
Fran Wilkinson, TfGM\u2019s Customer and Growth Director, said: \u201cProviding a public transport system that\u2019s accessible to everyone is one of the Bee Network\u2019s top priorities, and the Disability Design Reference Group has been playing a crucial role in making this a reality for almost 20 years.<\/p>\n
\u201cBy drawing on their lived experience of disability or long-term health conditions, members help ensure accessibility is considered from the earliest stages of the design and development of important infrastructure and services from state-of-the art transport interchanges to the way in which we provide travel information to our customers.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe would strongly encourage anyone who is passionate about improving public transport accessibility in Greater Manchester to apply and help make a difference.\u201d<\/p>\n
Members would stay in position for at least two years, with the possibility of an extension to three years. They would need to attend quarterly meetings and will also have the opportunity to get involved in short, focused pieces of work on specific topics. These can be online, in-person or involve site visits, as well as planning and review sessions, and sharing feedback on documents and communications.<\/p>\n