Innovations

Assistance for Special User Groups

Code

PT1.4

Title

Assistance for Special User Groups

Case study/reference

Helder, P. (2016), “Enabling people with learning disabilities and autism to travel independently”, [Online’] Available from: https://www.ripfa.org.uk/blog/enabling-people-with-learning-disabilities-and-autism-to-travel-independently/

Holley – Moore, G. and Creighton, H. (2015), “The Future of Transportation in an Ageing Society”, Report, ILC-UK and Age UK.

Travel Buddy project (2017): https://www.brandontrust.org/information-and-support/travel-buddy-project/

Vine (2017), “Public Transportation Options for Seniors”, [Online] Available from: http://www.ridethevine.com/public-transportation-options-seniors

Recommendations for the design

The involved stakeholders should take into account that if they choose to include volunteers in the scheme, in addition to specialists, these persons should be carefully checked (e.g. using psychometric tests etc.) before allowing them to take part in the program, because not everyone is capable of communicating with children, the elderly and people with disabilities. Another crucial point to be kept in mind should be the design of the right marketing strategy in order to inform everyone that might be interested about the program and motivate them to take part in it.

Recommendations for the implementation

In order to ensure the smooth operation of the program, feedback from the participants should be asked in a regular basis, to identify weaknesses and be able to improve it.

Brief description

The complexity of the Public Transport network can be a significant barrier for people with different kind of disabilities in their attempt to achieve independence and engagement with the wider community. The Assistance for Special User Groups schemes support vulnerable people and help them to overcome barriers by empowering them with tools that facilitate their inclusion.

Full description

Public systems can offer training to specialists or volunteers in order to make them able to accompany an individual unfamiliar with Public Transport or a particular route. This way, a “Public Transport buddy system” can be created. For instance, the “Travel Buddy Project” is a free travel training scheme for people with learning disabilities and autism who wish to travel on their own. The scheme runs in Bristol, South Gloucestershire, and North Somerset, and provides a safe place to try out independent travel, learn new skills and build confidence. In the Netherlands, there is the OV4U scheme aiming at children: OV4U helps pupils making a balanced choice between different modes of transport. This way, children become familiar with Public Transport and moreover, the program prepares them to be able to make more independent and wise transport choices in their adult life. In the USA, there is the country-wide free of charge Transit Ambassador Program; a travel buddy teaches whoever feels that he/she needs to assistance, how to ride a bus. The Ambassador rides around the city with the commuter, until he/she feels comfortable to travel alone. This program is particularly useful for the elderly.

CIPTEC score

3.5