GMPTE and Age Concern Manchester join forces

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Greater Manchester Passenger Transport Executive (GMPTE) is working with the charity Age Concern Manchester as part of a European project that aims to make public transport even more accessible to older people.

GMPTE’s new Travel Training initiative aims to equip volunteers with the skills to work with people who may need a little extra support when using buses, trains and trams in Greater Manchester.

As part of the programme, volunteers from Age Concern Manchester and other organisations throughout Greater Manchester have been attending GMPTE Train the Trainer workshops to learn how they can best help older people get the most out of the city region’s public transport network.

Michael Renshaw, GMPTE’s Bus and Rail Director, explained: “We are aware that some people, for various reasons, need a little extra support when using public transport and that is where the Travel Training programme comes in.

“The initiative is aimed at providing volunteers with the skills to assist and teach others how to use the bus, tram or train, opening public transport up to people who may currently feel unable to use it.

“Working alongside Age Concern Manchester, who have links across Greater Manchester, has given us an added bonus as they have a wealth of experience working with older people. They are able to work with people who may not have used public transport in recent years, or who lack confidence in doing so.”

Julie Hussey, Mobility Counsellor, Age Concern Manchester, added: “There are many reasons why older people don’t use public transport. They may not know how to because they’ve always travelled by car or they may have had a long illness and lost the confidence to go out on their own.

“Our volunteers are working with people on a one-to-one basis, giving them the skills, encouragement and support to start using public transport independently, confidently and safely. This will give older people more social opportunities and improve their quality of life.”

The Travel Training programme is funded via Improving Connectivity and Mobility Access (ICMA), a European Union project aimed at bridging mobility gaps.

For more information on becoming a Travel Trainer please contact Age Concern Manchester on freephone 0800 027 5787 or visit the website www.silverservice.org.uk