Town centre tram route inspected by Disability Design Reference Group

Town centre tram route inspected by Disability Design Reference Group

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The needs of the disabled was on the agenda yesterday when a group of disabled people were invited to inspect the pedestrian access along the Metrolink tram route on Drake Street and into the new transport interchange on Smith Street.

The Transport for Greater Manchester Disability Design Reference Group (DDRG), which has won awards for accessibility, has been an integral part of the design process for the expanded Metrolink network since 2008. Its 11 members, who represent people with a range of disabilities, give practical advice on accessibility issues which is making a huge difference to passengers.

The approach that TfGM has taken with the DDRG is now recognised as a model of best practice by the Equality and Human Rights Commission.

The improvements the DDRG has influenced have ranged from the inclusion of additional safety rails to assist guide cane users, to the development of a comprehensive, network-wide Access Guide with maps to assist disabled people.