Date: 15th December 2011

SEStran is launching a new initiative to help people who need a little more time, or help when using public transport.

The SEStran Thistle Assistance Card is designed to help anyone who has difficulty in using public transport because of age, disability or illness.

The credit-card sized card comes with a selection of peel off stickers, which indicate different types of disabilities, or the type of help a passenger may need. These are then attached to the card, which should be presented to the bus driver, when boarding the vehicle,

The card is supported by a wide range of voluntary organisations and most bus companies in South East Scotland.

SEStran Chair, Russell Imrie, said :

“SEStran aims to ensure that everyone living in South East Scotland has full access to public transport”

“The SEStran Thistle Assistance Card is a practical initiative designed to help people who may need a bit more time, or some practical assistance when using public transport. The drivers are trained to recognise the at-a-glance symbols on the cards and will be made aware of any assistance the passenger might need quickly and easily”

Maureen Watt MSP, Convenor of the Scottish Parliament’s Infrastucture & Capital Investments Committee, added :

“Anything that makes it easier for people with disabilities to access public transport can only be a good thing, so I warmly welcome the launch of the Thistle Assistance Card. Being able to get out and about through using public transport is incredibly liberating for people with disabilities, so giving people confidence that they will be able to get any assistance they need from the driver is incredibly important”.

“I am sure that this will have a real and positive impact on the quality of life a lot of people with disabilities enjoy and I am looking forward to seeing the results of this new initiative.”

George McKendrick Operations Manager Lothian Buses said:

“Lothian Buses are committed to providing an inclusive service for all our customers irrespective of disability and to that aim have since 2009 had a fully accessible fleet with all staff trained in disability awareness”.

“We have been pleased to have been able to contribute to the reintroduction of The Thistle Assistance Card and believe it will be of great benefit to those who need that extra help to make their journey. In addition to making our drivers fully aware of the benefits of the scheme we will assist in its distribution through or travel shops and Park  and Ride sites”.

Charlie Mullen, MD, Stagecoach East Scotland, said :

“Stagecoach are committed to working with disability groups throughout the East of Scotland to ensure access to our routes and services for all.  We already have extensive staff training programmes which specifically highlight disability and mobility issues and the new Thistle Card will be added to this training."

"Stagecoach have also been involved with a number of other projects in the area including free travel for guide dog trainers, our work with the Fife Independent Disability Network and of course our continued investment in wheelchair accessible vehicles and fleet development, spending almost £6.4m this year across East Scotland."

Paul Thomas, Managing Director for First Scotland East Limited added :

“As a company we are committed to making continual improvements to ensure that our services are accessible to all customers. The introduction of this new card will compliment our own Safe Journey card. Both cards can be presented to our drivers  which will allow customers to indicate any assistance they may require, making them feel more confident to travel by bus and use our services throughout South East and Central Scotland”.  

The SEStran Thistle Assistance Card is free and is available at a range of outlets across South East Scotland, including; local authorities, bus operators, GP surgeries and Health Centres.

A list of locations where the SEStran Thistle Assistance Card can be obtained is available on the SEStran website at www.sestran.gov.uk .

END

For further information contact:

Andrew Dougal, SEStran Communications Officer

T: 0131-524-5161

M: 07889-010-291

E: Andrew.dougal@sestran.gov.uk

ENDS

SEStran - South East of Scotland Transport Partnership - is one of seven new Statutory Regional Transport Partnerships (RTP) created by the Transport (Scotland) Act 2005 and is currently the secretariat to the seven chairs of the RTPs.

 

 

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