Easy Access Wheelchair Guarantee

Go North East, Easy Access and the GOJO Campaign

Go North East has committed its support the Disability Rights Commission’s GOJO campaign here in the north east. Go North East provides one of the largest Easy Access bus networks outside London, but recognises there is still much to learn in the delivery of accessible services. Working alongside the DRC in this campaign is immensely valuable for Go North East.

GOJO is a new campaign to help young disabled people aged 16 – 25 get the most out of public transport. Young people are being encouraged to use buses, trains and other forms of public transport, and to speak out about their good and bad experiences.

Go North East pioneered Easy Access buses outside London on North Tyneside in 1994 and since then has maintained its commitment to improving accessibility for all. There has been a major commitment to fleet investment to achieve this with this year’s £7.3 million investment in 50 new vehicles bringing the accessible fleet total to 510 and within reach of delivering a 100% accessible buses on its entire local bus network. This milestone will be achieved later in 2007 when a further investment in accessible buses brings another 28 to Go North East’s network. Go North East has the largest accessible bus network in the country outside London. Our individual route branding approach, giving distinct colours and logos to almost 40 routes is also assisting in the easy recognition our accessible services.

Focus has not been on fleet alone. Throughout the development of the business’ approach to accessibility a large element of user consultation and involvement has been commonplace.

Easy Access Wheelchair Guarantee
This led to the company introducing the unique Easy Access Wheelchair Guarantee to provide reassurance to users that if an accessible bus was not provided or the ramp did not function properly, a complimentary accessible taxi would be offered to the customer. This guarantee applies to anyone using a wheelchair, walking frame or disability adapted pushchair for a disabled child.

Personal security can be a key issue for people with disabilities and Go North East has led the way with investment in comprehensive cctv systems for its buses. The Go North East fleet will be 100% cctv covered by the end of June including multiple cameras for inside and outside of the bus. The company has invested over £1million in this important measure for the reassurance of all customers and staff, and has had support for some of the investment from Nexus and Durham County Council. The modern systems are supported by three dedicate cctv managers who identify issues and liaise with the Police.

Go North East’s comprehensive approach to accessibility issues led to the recognition of being the first operator awarded the Bus Industry Awards Accessibility Award (Claudia Flanders Award) in 2001. Since then Go North East has not only expanded its fleet of Easy Access buses, it has recognised the need for far deeper understanding of the issues and the means by which many accessibility issues can be overcome.

This has included:

Continuing the policy of powered access ramps to maximise their use by drivers and develop he confidence of customers

Investigating ramp manufacture to pursue optimum designs in terms of function and reliability

Extensive development of ramp installation with Mercedes for the forthcoming delivery of Mercedes Citaros for our Red Arrows service.

Continuing improvements to our training and development activities in the areas of accessibility, including continuing to successfully maintain our Investor in People accreditation.
Exploration of Induction Loop technology fitted to buses and plans for a pilot scheme later in 2007

Director level involvement in the Tyne & Wear Transport for All group

Participation tin the Bus Buddies scheme in Tyne & Wear, launched with Go North East in Gateshead earlier this year, as a means to encourage adults with learning difficulties to use public transport

Root and branch review of accessibility policies and activities within the context of the DDA to ensure consistent use of best through the implementation of a new policy statement to be published in June 2007.

GOJO Campaign