« Previous | Contents | Next »
Listen
Visual mapping scheme: Angus Council
Nature of case study
A4.119 This is an innovative programme to assist independent bus travel for clients experiencing learning disabilities attending an Adult Resource Centre, in Montrose. A key motivator for the scheme was the publication of the report ' The same as you' in May 2000 which suggested a total of 29 recommendations based on the principle that 'people with learning difficulties should have the same rights as the rest of society'
A4.120 In relation to transport, Recommendation 8 of the review states:
"Local authorities should review their local transport services to make sure that people with learning disabilities can use public services wherever possible"
A4.121 The visual mapping scheme is an attempt to do this. It consists of a 'set' of photographs of relevant 'landmarks' which are part of a specific journey. Angus Transport Working Group (a voluntary body) members initially accompany clients on the journey they intend to make and take photos of landmarks on-route (e.g. buildings, street signs, bus stops). Captions are added in consultation with clients (e.g. This is where I catch my bus, I get off at the stop after this public house etc.).
A4.122 Photos are then placed into photo wallets, which are carried by clients when making their journeys. Initially, clients are accompanied on these journeys, until a stage is reached where both carers and clients are confident that the journey can be made safely. For more seasoned travellers the photo wallets provide an invaluable backup.
A4.123 To further facilitate independent travel by clients, the correct bus stop in Montrose town centre is marked with large yellow triangle to indicate where they should board the correct bus to the Rosehill day centre - the initial destination that was the focus of the case study.
Area and population
A4.124 The case study is based in Montrose, a town of 15,000 people on Scotland's east coast, approximately mid-way between Aberdeen and Dundee. The case study bus services run in the town area, not into the extensive rural hinterland.
Type of trip
A4.125 In mid 2002, when the project began, no bus services served the Rosehill centre, a day centre used by people with learning difficulties who live in Montrose. The nearest bus was at that time a 10 min walk away and at an hourly frequency. This restricted the opportunities for clients to travel independently to/from the resource centre. At the time, the majority of clients were collected/returned home via private car either by parents/carers, or using the resource centre's own transport.
A4.126 Members of the ATWG, in consultation with local bus providers, identified the potential for an existing bus service (which was currently standing idle at Montrose town centre) to provide a new service (No. 52) from the town centre to the resource centre, and back. Initially, from August 2002, the service operated twice-daily (Mon-Fri), once in the morning and once in the evening, to coincide with the centre's normal opening hours. This was funded as a tendered service by Angus Council.
A4.127 As the service became more popular (with both resource centre clients and local residents), the ATWG conducted further consultations with local bus providers and the service was extended to its current status.
A4.128 Mon-Fri to resource centre from town centre
A4.129 10:11 10:38 11:08 11:39 12:49 13:19 12:49 13:19 13:49 14:34, with the last bus returning at 14:45
A4.130 The morning service is provided by JP Mini coaches and the afternoon by Strathtay Scottish. Although initially introduced to facilitate travel for clients attending the resource centre, the service is open to general public. Fares for non-concessionary travellers are 60p each way (from town centre to resource centre) in the morning and 65p each way in the afternoon. The disparity in fares is because of the two different operators of the service.
A4.131 Initially the scheme involved only trips to/from the resource centre from the town centre, although it has now been extended to other trips (see outcomes below).
Ridership/usage, and trips facilitated; cross-sector benefits
A4.132 In mid 2002, four individuals travelled independently to the resource centre. By April 2005, this figure had grown to 43.
A4.133 Although the scheme was introduced primarily to facilitate independent travel to/from the resource centre, many clients (as they become more confident and independent) are now making other journeys using the visual mapping system (for example, trips to local cafes and swimming pools). The same principles described above are utilised to develop visual maps for these journeys. The growth in individuals' confidence achieved by the visual mapping scheme has allowed many of them to travel more widely
A4.134 Prior to the introduction of the new '52' service, existing services from the resource centre (and surrounding area) operated on an hourly basis to/from the town centre. Since the introduction of the 52 service, other members of the public living in housing close to the resource centre (i.e. Charleton Road) have begun to use the service, for journeys involving school runs and shopping trips.
A4.135 The route of the 52 bus also passes through the Glens estate, an area containing a high percentage of elderly people living on low incomes. Again, a number of these residents have begun using the 52 service.
A4.136 A further outcome of clients travelling independently on the 52 service and other local bus services, with other members of the public, is that adults with learning difficulties are becoming recognised as a part of the wider community by local residents.
A4.137 The growth in usage of the 52 service has justified the building of a new bus shelter outside the resource centre, providing benefits for both resource centre users and other community members.
Parties involved in planning, funding and operation
A4.138 In mid 2002, the Angus Transport Working Group ( ATWG) was formed made up from representatives of the following:
- Angus Council's Transport Team
- Social Work Department
- Tayside Primary Care Trust
- Local bus operators
- Parents/carers
A4.139 The principle aim of the ATWG was to promote community improvement and integration for people with a learning disability living in Angus. In consultation with individual clients and carers attending the resource centre, the group began looking at ways in which local bus services could be improved to best meet the needs of clients, and with the broader aim of promoting independent travel. The concept of "visual mapping" evolved from these discussions. The scheme is currently limited to Montrose but it is hoped to expand it to other towns in Angus.
A4.140 Prior to the implementation of the scheme, consultation was carried out with both clients and parents/carers of the resource centre, and as part of the wider Angus consultation process. A key component of the latter was a series of area wide road shows, where local residents are asked 'what do you want?' in terms of public transport provision.
A4.141 Unfortunately, no data on costs were available for this case study.
User feedback
A4.142 There has been no direct user feedback gathered in any formal way but the fact that usage of the scheme has grown by 1000% illustrates that it is well-liked by users.
Transferability of scheme
A3.143 The visual mapping system is based on individual journeys. As such the principles of the system can be applied to any journey and is thus transferable to other town and city locations.
Future developments
A4.144 The second phase of the project will commence in August 2005, when a similar scheme will service a second Resource centre (Lilybank) in Forfar. The new bus service will be introduced as part of the wider 'improved Forfar Town Service' program, with finance from the Scottish Executive's Bus Route Development Grant. The Lilybank centre will be serviced by an hourly bus to/from Forfar Town Centre where connections can be made to other services. An additional benefit of the new service is that the vehicles will all be low floor and wheelchair accessible.
A4.145 The use of dedicated drivers in the initial scheme has allowed a good relationship to develop between drivers and client passengers. However, the ATWG recognise that as new schemes are introduced, and more diverse journeys are made by the now 'independent travellers', there is a need to provide training for drivers more generally. The ATWG intend to provide a series of specialised training courses later this year to key members of local bus operators, concerning the needs of travellers with learning difficulties and advice on how to deal with any potential situations that may occur.
A4.146 Many of the clients at the centre experience reading difficulties and therefore traditional bus service information may prove difficult for them to read and understand. To address this issue, the ATWG is currently in the process of re-designing current public transport information media (timetables, general information) using 'widgets', a software package using universally recognised pictorial representations for words, locations, and actions - see examples below.
A4.147 By including such information in bus timetable and information this will further assist clients to travel independently and also assist other member of the community with reading difficulties.
A4.148 As part of the wider Angus public transport consultation program, a resource centre wide road show is planned for October 2005. By involving clients, parents/carers and local transport operators in this consultation, this will allow the ATWG to assess/reassess the public transport needs of clients
« Previous | Contents | Next »