CAMPAIGNERS who help the elderly and the disabled to use accessible’ public transport are running a seminar to get them to know their rights and how to complain when things go wrong

By Mike Brooke

CAMPAIGNERS who help the elderly and the disabled to use accessible’ public transport are running an open seminar in East London to get them to know their rights and how to complain when things go wrong.

The campaigners, from Transport for All which gives advice, advocacy and training to passengers and operators of accessible’ transport, are presenting latest transport news and making sure passengers get the best out of their services.

DISCRIMINATION

Their agenda includes a know your rights’ session where they take them through the Disability Discrimination Act and how it applies to transport services.

The three-and-a-half hour seminar is for those living in Tower Hamlets and neighbouring Hackney.

It begins 10am on Wednesday week (April 8) at Bethnal Green’s Oxford House community centre in Derbyshire Street, off Bethnal Green Road, with lunch provided at the end.

Those wanting to go are being asked to register with Transport for All by email or phone 020-7737 2339. Transport for All has 2,500 members in London, including Dial-A-Ride, Taxicard and door-to-door service users.

TAKEN FOR A RIDE

The seminar follows an open debate at City Hall earlier this month when passengers using London’s Dial-A-Ride minibuses said they didn’t think much of the service.

It wasn’t always available, lacked punctuality and flexibility and its booking system was a nightmare, according to a survey by London Assembly.

The Assembly’s transport committee sent a letter to Mayor Boris Johnson pointing out the effects bad services have on the most vulnerable in the community.