Healthwatch continues to push for transport improvements for patients
12-18 June marks Better Transport Week, highlighting the efforts being made nationally to promote sustainable transport and the benefits to health that it can bring.
At a local level, Healthwatch Cambridgeshire and Peterborough has persistently called for a transport system that works effectively for health and care service users.
‘Keep on Moving’, a 2021 report produced by Cambridge and Peterborough Partnership Boards which our Healthwatch coordinates, brought attention to some of the key issues around transport which impact on health. Among these were:
- A call for to have audio visual announcements installed on buses (which is now a requirement by 2026)
- Information about how to report issues with pavements and roads, taxis, and community transport schemes
Better Transport Week also coincides with the publication of Greater Cambridge Partnership’s ‘Making Connections’ public consultation document, which gathered the views of people across the region.
In December 2022, consultants for the Greater Cambridge Partnership attended a meeting of our Older People’s Partnership Board, which gave feedback that was both positive and critical of the proposals being put forward.
The proposals include measures to transform the local bus network alongside improvements to walking and cycling infrastructure that would be funded by the phased introduction of a road-user charge.
The headlines of the Making Connections report, both in favour and against the proposals, are:
- More than 70% of people support the future transport network – with more buses to more locations, cheaper fares and longer operating times in tandem with improved walking and cycling infrastructure to give people faster, cheaper and more reliable travel alternatives to the car.
- 58% of respondents opposed the proposed Sustainable Travel Zone (STZ) as the means for delivering the transport vision. Opposition increased with age from 35 to 64, with 55-64 year olds the most likely to oppose. Those who lived outside of Cambridge were also more likely to oppose.
- 34% of people support the STZ as proposed. This percentage was highest among the youngest and the oldest respondents, who are more likely to find it most difficult to access education and healthcare due to the limitations of the existing bus network. Support was highest in the city centre and west of the city.
- Around half of those who oppose the STZ did support the vision for better buses.
The views from organisations such as business, healthcare and others were broadly supportive of the plans but with caveats about the impact on staff or those who are vulnerable.
The Partnership Boards are interested in issues relating to transport, as good public transport systems are key to many people’s independence.
Cambridge City is a pilot zone for e-scooters operated by Voi. The Sensory Impairment Partnership Board is part of the Stakeholder group, which provides feedback – critical and supportive – to ensure the pilot learns and develops and is a positive for all parts of the community.
