Local bus operator Stagecoach North East will be joining hundreds of venues and companies across the UK on 12th March 2016 to showcase its accessibility as part of Disabled Access Day.
The second annual Disabled Access Day aims to encourage disabled people, their friends and families to visit somewhere new, whether that’s a coffee shop, cinema, museum, sports centre or anywhere else.
As part of Stagecoach’s support, community groups across Tyne and Wear are being given the opportunity to take part in a series of group sessions, including a number supported by Staying Steady. The company is working with the disability support group to help alleviate any concerns that members may have about travelling on a bus and the team will be on hand to chat with potential passengers and put their mind at ease. They will also demonstrate the recently transformed website, how to navigate around it, find live bus times and the places and areas that can be reached by bus.
These events form part of a concessionary campaign that Stagecoach North East is currently running through March aimed at seniors and the disabled, to help them find information about getting out and about by bus.
The company is also promoting a dedicated website set up by Connect Tees Valley on local attractions which are taking part in the Disabled Access Day campaign, with special offers from places such as Hartlepool’s Maritime Experience and the Dorman Museum in Middlesbrough. For more information on Connect Tees Valley’s Disabled Access Day offers, please visit http://www.connectteesvalley.com/DAD/
Phil Medlicott, Managing Director, Stagecoach North East, said: “Disabled Access Day is a great opportunity to spend time in the community, learning from the people we serve whilst also educating and reassuring passengers about our services and what we can do to help those with disabilities. We’re delighted to be able to support this important event and are looking forward to welcoming people on board as they visit somewhere new across the north east.”
Stagecoach North East, which has depots in South Shields, Newcastle, Sunderland, Teesside and Hartlepool, is also helping passengers with disabilities by:
- Briefing every member of staff on the continued commitment to supporting disabled passengers and how they can help.
- Displaying posters on buses throughout the region to raise awareness of Disabled Access Day.
- Providing service buses across the north east, all with low floors for easy access.
- Promoting a link for Disabled Access Day on the Stagecoach home page with more information.
- Supporting the Bridge Card scheme which informs drivers that customers need assistance when travelling with Stagecoach North East.
Euan MacDonald, co-founder of the disabled access reviews website EuansGuide.com, the main sponsor of Disabled Access Day, said: “There are around 12 million disabled people in the UK and an estimated 1 billion worldwide. It’s important that we raise awareness of the issue of disabled access and encourage venues to highlight their accessibility on Disabled Access Day. By hosting events and offering promotions to visitors on March 12th, all of the partners involved can demonstrate just how important disabled access is to them.”
For further information about Stagecoach North East please visit www.stagecoachbus.com