One Voice - action for disability
The Interchange Project is the name for the planned changes to be made around the bus station and train station in Wolverhampton - it is supposed to be a transport interchange so that you can seamlessly go from one form of transport to another.
Members of the One Voice access group have gone to many meetings over the last few years, to push for the project to be more accessible. The Project has changed substantially in the last few months, and provides quite a few access challenges. One Voice members raised several questions and concerns, some of which have not yet been answered.
At the most recent meeting on June 2nd, members made the following comments:
The plans will get rid of the accessible route from Sainsburys to the bus stations, which people take in order to avoid crossing a road. What will be done to make the crossing to the bus station safe and accesssible? We were informed that the new crossing would only be used by two bus services, members asked for safety and accessiblity assurances.
It is planned that during the building there will be temporary bus stops in Lichfield street and Queen Street - it was pointed out that the bus drivers must be made to stop at the pavement to allow for level access and allow people to sit down before the bus takes off - people pointed out that the bus station is the only place where these things happen, and asked for the same assurances to be made for the temporary stops when the bus station is not available.
It was pointed out that the temporary stops would impact upon the taxi ranks and disabled parking - what alternative arrangements are to be made for these things? This awaits an answer.
It was ponted out that if, as planned, most of the foot traffic to the bus station is intended to go via Queen Street in the future, the pavement has to be improved and widened. It was agreed that more dropped kerbs would be added.
We were informed that the pedestrian walkway, when completed will be covered. Questions were raised about what weather protection would be available when the present canopy is removed.
There will be a website that provides updates on traffic diversions, where digging is taking place, pedestrian diversions etc. It was also agreed that the information could be put onto the talking newspaper, and also made avaialble to people contacting One Voice, Shop Mobility or the Access Officer.
How will buses get into and out of the town centre if the buses only come in and off the ringroad. There were major concerns that were major concerns that there would no longer any city centre bus stops - this was not answered.
It was asked if there would be announcements about buses at the station, we were told that there may be a button at the stop you could press to find out what the next bus at the stand is and how long until it comes - this would be very helpful for visually impaired people.
If you are interested in this or any other projects and would like to get involved or find out more, contact us