Transport Resource Unit update - April/May 09

The Transport Resource Unit has had a very busy few weeks since the approval of the GMITA grant at the beginning of March. We've been riding along with some community transport operators and their users to try to understand the 'added value' that these services can offer to the community and to voluntary sector groups that need transport. We've also been involved in the ongoing review of flexible transport provision currently being carried out by GMITA and are about to start some research into the experiences of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgendered people on public transport. As usual, if you think you can help with any of this, or if there's anything else that you think we should be looking at, please get in touch.

Community transport in the region has been boosted by successfully securing funding from Awards for All to increase their links with the wider voluntary and community sector. There's more news on this below and will be following the project closely over the coming months.

If you want to have your say about transport in the region, and hear from experts on the subject, please see the news item below about the 'State of Transport' seminar being held by GMITA on the 11th May. Another diary date is the North West Transport Activists Roundtable AGM on Saturday 27th June. Confirmed speakers are Roger Jones, Director of the North West Rail Campaign, and Roy Newton, Leader of Greater Manchester's Joint Transport Team. The venue and time are yet to be confirmed but will be posted on the NWTAR website (www.nwtar.org.uk) in the near future.

And finally, Cyclenation, CTC, and Greater Manchester Cycling Campaign are coming together for a Spring Conference on the 30th May - 'Cycling as a Solution'. More information can be found here: http://www.gmcc.org.uk/main/?p=147. The conference will be preceded by a seminar for cycle planning professionals on the 29th May - more details here: http://www.cyclenation.org.uk/seminar/seminar.php