Transport for Greater Manchester has invited disabled people and those living with long-term health conditions to join an established advisory group that aims to help make public transport more accessible.
Individuals have been asked to share their lived experiences with the Disability Design Reference Group (DDRG) in an effort to highlight issues that might act as barriers to travel.
The Group, which plays a key role in shaping the Bee Network so it can provide robust support, was first set up in 2008 to assist with designing requirements for an integrated, accessible transport network, and is managed by disabled people’s organisation Breakthrough UK on behalf of Transport for Greater Manchester.
Thus far, members of the DDRG have had a hand in the design of several key parts of Bee Network infrastructure, including the Stockport Interchange, where the Group’s feedback led to a linear, open layout, as well as signage including Braille and accessible seating and facilities such as Changing Places toilet; as well as the Tyldesley Travel Hub, which utilised input from the Group to improve the final design and implement ramped access to avoid a steep slope on Astley Street, better lighting, improved Blue Badge parking, and dedicated drop-off facilities.
Additional work contributed by the DDRG include improvements to customer travel information, concessionary travel and ticketing, and wider Metrolink improvements.
Fran Wilkinson, TfGM’s Customer and Growth Director, said:Providing a public transport system that’s accessible to everyone is one of the Bee Network’s top priorities, and the Disability Design Reference Group has been playing a crucial role in making this a reality for almost 20 years.
By drawing on their lived experience of disability or long-term health conditions, members help ensure accessibility is considered from the earliest stages of the design and development of important infrastructure and services from state-of-the art transport interchanges to the way in which we provide travel information to our customers.
We would strongly encourage anyone who is passionate about improving public transport accessibility in Greater Manchester to apply and help make a difference.
Members will have the opportunity to get involved in short, focused pieces of work on specific topics either online, in-person or on-site, and will stay in their position for a minimum of two years (with the possibility of of extension to three years).
Interested parties can apply for paid memberships from now until Sunday 5 July 2026.
