Hampshire Learning Disability Partnership Board Representatives Transport Report Handout July 2013 Winchester and District Advocacy Project

 We talked to people in Hampshire in our LIG areas  We have been finding out what people think and feel about transport  Transport is very important to people as it big part of being able to live an ordinary life Winchester and District Advocacy Project

There are many types of transport used across the county  Buses are the most commonly used method of transport.  Cars provided by family, friends or carers are important and flexible way of getting out.  Trains are good for getting to places but can be confusing and expensive.  Taxis are costly, but sometimes they are the only option.

Winchester and District Advocacy Project Buses  Good Things  Bus passes enable people to get out and do things.  Buses are easy to use in some areas as they have low floors and are more accessible.  Some areas have lots of bus routes so people can get where they want to go.  Some bus drivers are helpful and friendly.

Winchester and District Advocacy Project Buses  Bad Things  Buses finish too early in the evenings. Services are limited at weekends, if there’s any service at all.  Buses are sometimes over crowded, often at school start and end times.  Some bus routes only run during school term times.  Some bus drivers are rude and unhelpful.

Winchester and District Advocacy Project Buses  Bad Things - continued  Some buses are old and don’t have low floors, which can make getting on and off them difficult.  Different types of bus passes can be confusing, people don’t know when and where they can be used.  Buses often run late or sometimes they leave earlier than they are supposed to. This makes people anxious.  Buses sometimes drive past people when they are waiting at a bus stop.

Winchester and District Advocacy Project Cars  Good Things  Cars provided by family, friends or carers allow people to be flexible about when and where they go.  Bad Things  Having a shared car can cause problems if the others people need it at the same time.

Winchester and District Advocacy Project Trains  Good Things  There are information speakers on train platforms that let you talk to a real person.  Bad Things  Train ticket machines are hard to use.  Train passes are expensive.  Toilets are not always accessible at train stations.  Getting somewhere by train can mean making lots of changes, which can be confusing.

Winchester and District Advocacy Project Taxis  Good Things  Taxi drivers are often helpful and friendly.  Taxis are an easy and flexible way to get about.  Bad Things  Taxis are too expensive.

Winchester and District Advocacy Project Other Transport  Coaches are seen as an affordable way to go on long journeys.  Community Transport is available but needs to be pre- booked a long time in advance.  Good Neighbour schemes are good value but they work differently in each area. Not many people seem to use them.

Winchester and District Advocacy Project What Could Be Better?  More affordable transport, available at the times people want it  Having training to do new journeys until people are happy to do them independently.  More accessible travel information, including timetables and speaking information boards. Having people available at bus stations who can be asked for information  Services that run on time, with more buses, trains and routes  Improved staff training to understand people’s needs

Winchester and District Advocacy Project Reps Questions 1.What can be done to give us affordable transport outside of normal hours, to allow us to go out safely in the evenings and at weekends? 2.What could be done to make travel information more accessible, including timetables, signs & announcements and travel planning? 3.What will transport providers do to make sure that our extra transport needs are met? This should include staff training.