Edinburgh Southern MSP, Jim Eadie, has today written to Transport for Edinburgh Chief Executive, Ian Craig, seeking an urgent review of policy for those with motorised mobility scooters to allow use of both the bus and tram network in Edinburgh.
Currently, the MSP says Transport for Edinburgh do not allow those with mobility scooters on buses or trams due to ‘operational circumstances’ and that they have cited very large passenger volumes on high-frequency services, coupled with the challenge of manoeuvring a scooter on and off a crowded bus or tram and the potential risk to other passengers as reasons for their current policy.
Commenting, Mr Eadie said:
“Given we are living in 2015, it is about time that transport within Edinburgh was accessible for all. I will continue to push Transport for Edinburgh vigorously to ensure they make the policy change, which is vital to ensuring everyone within our community can go about their daily lives without having the unnecessary problem of struggling getting from A to B.
“The vast majority of people in Edinburgh rely on both the tram and bus networks for commuting to and from work, socialising or shopping. It is not right in today’s society that some in our community are being excluded from using either buses or trams. Let’s not forget that these methods are Edinburgh’s two main transport networks and they should allow access for all and not be selective.
“I have written to the Chief Executive of Transport for Edinburgh to seek a meeting and I am hopeful I will be able to put my views to him at the earliest opportunity.”
A spokesman for Transport for Edinburgh told The Edinburgh Reporter:
“Accessibility is a big priority for us across all of our services. With 100% accessibility along the tram system and an accessible full fleet of low-floor buses, we compare very well with other operators. However, we are always looking at ways to enhance our services for passengers and the Group is currently considering what further improvements can be made.”
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