6 November 2013
MEDIA RELEASE
‘Have a go’ day to encourage people with impairments to use buses

Environment Canterbury and the Christchurch City Council want to help people with impairments overcome any nervousness they might have about using public buses by holding a ‘have a go’ bus day.

The free event on Tuesday 19 November will allow people with impairments to try out getting on and off buses, and learn about routes, accessibility, ticketing systems and timetables in a no-pressure environment.

Christchurch City Council Disability Advisor Cam Scott, who uses a wheelchair himself, says the prospect of using a bus can be so daunting for some people with impairments that they never try.

“There are a lot of unknowns. Basic things like ‘Will I be able to get up the ramp? Will my chair fit? How do I use a Metrocard? How do I make the bus stop?’

“It’s always daunting trying something new and unfamiliar, and that’s magnified for people with impairments. Especially in front of a whole bus full of strangers!

“People with impairments can face many barriers to getting around easily and cheaply. Having an affordable transport option makes a big difference to a lot of people, so the Christchurch City Council was really keen to support this event,” Cam says.

Public Transport Manager David Stenhouse says the event will also be an information gathering exercise.

“The accessibility of the Christchurch bus system has come a long way in the last 15 years. It’s not perfect yet, and this event will help us get feedback from the public about what works well, and where we can continue to make improvements.

“Driver training is one of the key things we’ll be focusing on, in collaboration with Red Bus and Go Bus. Friendly helpful drivers are vital in making the bus system an accessible and attractive travel option,” Mr Stenhouse says.

To find out more, visit www.metroinfo.co.nz/haveago. Everyone who registers to attend the event will have a chance to win a Metro bus card with $40 worth of free travel.

ENDS

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