The author considers the problem of communicating information about the availability of transport for the disabled. Getting the right information to the right people is a problem which goes beyond publicity. Mobility-handicapped people often become socially isolated. Although a slow method, information is best passed by word of mouth via other members of the family, health visitors, doctors, wardens and social workers, etc.. Confidence in the service must be established by reassurance that help will be available during the journey. It is also essential that other links in the journey will be accessible, and known to be so, thus requiring the co-operation of a number of different transport and travel services. The co-ordination of such information in the UK by an organisation called Tripscope is described. Tripscope has been providing a comprehensive transport information and journey planning service, free of charge, for four years. Relying on charitable donations, the author argues the need for more secure funding and suggests the scheme could be applied throughout Europe.
Samenvatting