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"SportIndex 04"

By Latrobe Shire Council - 13th December 2004 - Back to News

The importance of accessible public transport was highlighted at the recent International Day of People with a disAbility celebrations in Latrobe City, with local residents experiencing first-hand the increased mobility that accessible vehicles can provide for people with a disability.

Latrobe City’s Project Officer, Rural Access, Bill Lawler, explained that activities took place throughout the day to promote the accessible public transport that is available in the municipality.

"Local residents at the Morwell Railway Station where a low-floor bus and wheelchair accessible taxi were available for people to try out. For many people it was the first time that they had ever boarded and descended the specially designed vehicles," Mr Lawler said.

Latrobe City Mayor, Councillor Darrell White, said that from his observations the activity was very successful and gave many people the confidence to incorporate the use of accessible public transport into their daily routine.

"Many people who had never used a low-floor bus or accessible taxi before, also commented on the increased mobility that they will provide when travelling throughout Latrobe City in the future," Cr White said.

"By being proactive and creating these opportunities on the International Day of People with a disAbility, the Latrobe International Day Steering Committee has enriched the quality of life for many people in our community," Cr White added.

Mr Lawler explained that International Day of People with a disAbility celebrations also took place in other Latrobe City locations. A pancake breakfast was provided by the Traralgon Apex Club at the Traralgon Railway Station, and members of the Latrobe International Day Steering Committee ran information stands throughout the day on Moore Street in Moe and Mid Valley Shopping Centre in Morwell.

"The stalls contained brochures and leaflets about local services available to people with a disability and their families, which created a lot of interest from the public. Many Latrobe residents had questions about the services, and were referred to appropriate organisations and businesses as a result of their queries," Mr Lawler said.

"Throughout the day, copies of the ‘Gippslanders Travelling Together’ booklet were also distributed to local residents, further promoting the accessible public transport services in the Gippsland region. The booklet was also distributed to passengers in local taxis and on Latrobe Valley Bus Lines and V/Line trains and coaches. The booklet is a helpful guide to the range of accessible public transport services in Gippsland, explaining how to access these services and why they are important in the community," Mr Lawler added.

Latrobe Valley Bus Lines currently operate fourteen low-floor accessible busses in Latrobe City, with numbers steadily increasing as older vehicles are replaced. Accessible taxis are also based in Traralgon, Morwell, Moe and Churchill, providing services throughout Latrobe City.

"A Disability Awareness Quiz was also distributed at the International Day of People with a disAbility celebrations. Two fact sheets were provided with the nine-question quiz, which was designed to increase peoples’ knowledge about disability and dispel various myths. Quiz entries close on Monday 13 December, and winners will be announced on Friday 17 December," Mr Lawler concluded.

Copies of the ‘Gippslanders Travelling Together’ booklet are available from Latrobe’s Citizen Service Centres in Traralgon, Morwell and Moe, or by contacting Latrobe City Council, telephone 1300 367 700.

Source: www.gippsland.com

Published by: news@gippsland.com