On Tuesday the 24th of September there is a chance to explore and give feedback on the accessibility of a bus retrofitted with electric motors and batteries that replace the diesel engine. This will change the interior layout and finding out what effects this has on disabled people is an encouraging opportunity to raise any challenges whilst the bus is static and “Not in Service”.
On the morning of the 24th of September the ‘re-powered’ vehicle being trialled by First South Yorkshire will be in a central location for a few hours to get feedback on internal accessibility. To find out more details please contact sheffiedt4a@james-martin.org.uk for location and timings.
This has been arranged thanks to ongoing work with Sheffield Transport 4 All after a different trial vehicle identified accessibility issues. Capturing any usability issues early can make a big difference to avoiding problems if new vehicles are built, or old ones altered.
What to expect
The vehicle is not a new one, therefore, will not be likely to resolve issues if you already have them using existing buses (other future work might therefore be useful for you to be involved in). The visit will allow people to check whether there are any ‘little’ changes with a ‘big’ impact on accessibility and share them. This could include feedback on interior look and surface choices.
It also gives a chance for people who would like to orientate themselves to a new layout the chance to do this whilst the bus is not moving.
