Offer forms part of survey to improve transportYoungsters in the Rugeley area are being offered free use of the town’s leisure centre if they travel by bus.The summer offer is part of a trial scheme by Staffordshire County Council to find out how people use bus transport with a view to improving connectivity, reliability and accessibility.A public survey has been launched to support the council’s transport team in better understanding how people travel and what changes would encourage greater use of bus services. The team will be looking to test initiatives to see what works in practice and how services can be improved for communities across the county.By teaming up with Rugeley Leisure Centre, it is hoped the offer will raise awareness of the project and how easy it is to use buses in and around the town. Rugeley Leisure Centre | GoogleAnyone who signs up to the offer, which runs until August 21, will be given access to the gym and swimming pool on production of a valid children’s bus ticket.Before travelling, they need to sign up the council’s Everyone Active web page and enter ‘bus travel’ in the ‘extra information’ box. Councillor Andrew Mynors, cabinet member for connectivity at Staffordshire County Council, said making it easier for people to travel across the county was a top priority.“Our transport team wants to better understand people’s use of local buses, and importantly how bus travel can be improved,” he said.“The leisure centre offer is a great way of connecting with people and getting them involved and we’d like to thank Cannock Chase Council for supporting us.“Rugeley’s local attributes make it an ideal location for this initiative, meaning we can get the most out of the study and hopefully lay the foundations for lasting improvements not only for this town, but communities across Staffordshire. After its evaluation, we can look to carry out similar projects to improve bus services in other areas.”Councillor Mynors urged people to complete the survey and help shape future public transport improvements in their town.Councillor Mynors said Rugeley and the surrounding area had been selected for the trial as it provided the right balance of size and number of potential new bus users, where initiatives could easily be set up and monitored.With new housing planned for the town, it is expected there will be an increased demand for bus services. Residents’ feedback will help shape improvements that reflect local priorities and how people use services.Through the year-long trial, the transport team will look at bus service reliability, accessibility at bus stops, providing clearer passenger information and raising awareness of available services. It will also explore how fare offers and promotions could encourage more people to choose the bus for everyday journeys.Continue Reading
Staffordshire youngsters offered free use of leisure centre – if they travel by bus
