Last week Sheffield Transport 4 All wrote to new Mayor Oliver Coppard highlighting key items of their response to the South Yorkshire Enhanced Bus Partnership.
The letter calls for South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority (SYMCA) to take more of a role in providing support for the group as they gain more influence over transport and take this away from local authorities.
Sheffield Transport 4 All also raised the need for investment as “there are currently no specific disability access roles within SYMCA.” The lack of a technically knowledgeable officer in accessibility standards, and with skills in good pan-disability consultation is a role that SYMCA will greatly benefit from especially if there are difficult changes to manage in the coming years.
The opportunity has also been highlighted with the mayor to “consider whether the other three districts in South Yorkshire would benefit from a similar group“ to Sheffield Transport for All. Through a limited time project to seed groupts in other districts, “this would enable all parts of the region to have the opportunity to learn and develop skills in this area within the disabled community.” In the interim the existing Sheffield group can provide general advice, however, local input in each district, is invaluable for a better experience of accessing public transport. Going on to note “closer working with operators at the local depots ensures a more successful resolution of accessibility issues when they arise as has been seen over the years in Sheffield.”
The group looks forward to hearing from the Mayor in due course.
