Disabled people and those living with long-term health conditions in Greater Manchester are being invited to apply to join a leading, well-established advisory group helping to make public transport accessible to all.

By sharing their lived experiences and highlighting issues that act as barriers to travel, the Disability Design Reference Group (DDRG) plays a crucial role in shaping the Bee Network so it can best support people getting around the city-region.

The DDRG was set up in 2008 to assist with designing requirements for an integrated, accessible transport network. The group, which is managed by disabled people’s organisation Breakthrough UK on behalf of Transport for Greater Manchester, is currently recruiting for paid members with applications open until Sunday 5 July.

Members of the DDRG have had a hand in the design of key Bee Network infrastructure, including:

• Stockport Interchange: DDRG feedback led to a linear, open layout with a well-lit design, as well as clear signage including Braille and accessible seating and facilities such as Changing Places toilet.
• Tyldesley Travel Hub: input from DDRG led to improvements in the final design including ramped access to avoid a steep slope on Astley Street, better lighting, improved Blue Badge parking layout, and dedicated drop-off facilities
• Customer travel information: ongoing DDRG involvement has led to more accessible information on the Bee Network, including audiovisual announcements on buses, while the rollout of real-time passenger information displays at bus stops and rail stations continues. Stops with these displays will also include a text-to-speech button to improve accessibility for blind and partially sighted people.
• Concessionary travel and ticketing: by sharing their lived experiences, the DDRG helped simplify the concessionary pass application process and contributed to major policy changes including the removal of the pre-9.30am travel restrictions, improving independence and access to opportunities for passengers.
• Metrolink improvements: early engagement with DDRG has shaped options for Metrolink stop upgrades, as well as informing requirements for the new multi-year contract to ensure accessibility is embedded within the design, maintenance and operation of the network.

Fran Wilkinson, TfGM’s Customer and Growth Director, said:

“Providing a public transport system that’s accessible to everyone is one of the Bee Network’s top priorities, and the Disability Design Reference Group has been playing a crucial role in making this a reality for almost 20 years.

“By 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.

“We would strongly encourage anyone who is passionate about improving public transport accessibility in Greater Manchester to apply and help make a difference.”

(Picture: Bee Network/TfGM)(