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Nexus and access body 'Transport For All' are working together to explore the future of mobility scooter access to the Tyne and Wear Metro. The two organisations are to explore ways mobility scooters can be used on the network while ensuring the safety of all passengers. Work has started after Nexus introduced a new rule requiring scooter users to travel with a companion on foot when using Metro. The change in rules follows two recent incidents in which mobility scooters have struck the opposite doors after boarding Metro trains, with the users falling through onto the track and needing hospital treatment as a result. Nexus has also confirmed that companions can travel free with mobility scooter users who have a Gold Card. As well as Transport For All an advisory umbrella body representing a range of access and disability groups in Tyne and Wear Nexus is meeting other relevant organisations and scooter suppliers to discuss the sale and use of the vehicles. Bernard Garner, Director General of Nexus, said: “We had no choice but to change the rule on mobility scooters immediately following two serious incidents.” “We knew, unfortunately, that this would have an impact on scooter users and we are determined to explore all possibilities but crucially any future arrangement must first meet the high safety standards Metro operates within.” “We are meeting with access groups and listening to the views of scooter users themselves. The change in rules is not permanent but it will stay in place until a safe alternative can be found.” Ian McKee, chair of Transport For All, said: “We recognise the need for Nexus to act in the interests of passenger safety and I welcome its commitment to working with access groups.” “There has been a huge growth in the number of people owning and using mobility scooters and Nexus is just one organisation that needs to respond to the issues involved.” A Public Transport Accessibility Event organised by Nexus at St James Metro today, Wednesday 30 April, allowed disabled passengers to explore the full range of services they can access in Tyne and Wear. The event, organised long before the change in rules on Metro, featured accessible buses operated by Stagecoach, Go North East and Arriva, accessible taxis and mentoring and training schemes.
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