Greater Manchester’s Bee Network Committee has appointed its first ever Disability Advocate as part of its commitment to delivering an inclusive and accessible public transport and active travel network.
Cllr Tracey Rawlins has taken up the role to advocate for the needs and experiences of disabled people, ensuring they are represented on the committee, which is responsible for taking key decisions on transport and active travel in the city region.
It comes after Greater Manchester signed up to the national Accessible Transport Charter, which includes a commitment to the appointment of an advocate role to key decision-making bodies.
As well as reflecting the principles of the Accessible Transport Charter, the role was developed in collaboration with Breakthrough UK – which manages TfGM’s Disability Design Reference Group (DDRG) – and the Greater Manchester Disabled People’s Panel.
It also resonates with the wider Greater Manchester ambition to ensure everyone in the city region has equal access to education, training and job opportunities.
Councillor Tracey Rawlins, the Bee Network Committee’s new Disability Advocate and Executive Member for Environment and Transport at Manchester City Council, said: “Looking back over the past decades it is easier than ever for someone to get from point A to point B.
“However, in our increasingly mobile society it is vital that people living with disabilities are not left behind. Whether that is ensuring that public transport is accessible for everyone, to making cycle lanes easier to get to and travel on we owe it to ourselves not to exclude people when we develop our transport plans for the future.
“I am proud to be taking up this role and to use my position and influence to improve the lives of disabled people throughout Greater Manchester.”
