29 August 2013 Trailblazers raise accessible transport concerns at two London events
This week, Trailblazers have been raising concerns and providing recommendations in various ways to improve access to public transport in London.
On Tuesday, Transport for London held a stakeholder event at their head office in Southwark to share information about improvements to the bus, tube and rail network. Trailblazers heard about what was being done to improve communications, service and accessibility but also raised concerns about staff training, information about portable ramps and missed opportunities with accessibility on the Crossrail project. The project will spend
£14.5 billion of public money but seven stations will be inaccessible.
The meeting gave charities, campaign groups and public organisations an opportunity to voice concerns, and provided valuable feedback from disabled people across the capital.
On Thursday, Trailblazers ambassadors attended Transport for All's Day of Action, where they rallied for an accessible rail network outside Crossrail's offices in Canary Wharf and later attended a public meeting in City Hall where Crossrail and Transport for London representatives were questioned about the inaccessible stations. The need for staff presence, the lack of Changing Places toilets and long routes without seating or rest spaces were amongst the many issues discussed.
London Trailblazers ambassador Sulaiman Khan raised concerns at City Hall:
'Crossrail' will only be existence until the network goes live, after that, Transport for London and Network Rail take control, we want to make sure that there is no passing the buck and responsibility is taken to ensure access.
Tanvi Vyas Trailblazers Project Manager said:
The event at City Hall was well attended by disabled and older Londoners. The discussion aimed to highlight the huge gap in service provision for disabled people travelling and working in London. In 2013 If disabled people aren't being considered when new infrastructure is being developed, future generations will be at a huge loss when working, socialising and studying.
There was a good discussion and we were pleased that Transport for London and Crossrail are taking on board the concerns and recommendations and conducting 'feasibility studies' at the seven inaccessible stations.
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