Shopmobility Sheffield can now post the results of our 'Transport Needs' survey as we now have the full results back and collated.
The survey was designed to help us try and understand the needs of our users in regards to the transport needs of disabled people in Sheffield.
The survey was designed to help us try and understand the needs of our users in regards to the transport needs of disabled people in Sheffield.
MGB 4/5/06
Results of the Shopmobility 'Transport Needs' survey
A survey was carried out to identify the perception held by disabled residents of the city with regard to the availability of transport.
The survey showed that the questionnaires were returned from a cross section of the city residents, with the largest numbers being from S5 and S8 postcodes, S9 and S10 being the next in order of numbers.
60% of those completing the questionnaire were aged 55 or over, with 40% being over 65 years of age.
The majority of the questionnaire replies indicate the there is little knowledge regarding the community services available and that it is considered difficult to obtain the information. However Public Bus, Tram, Rail and taxi services score well in the category of available information.
Of replies given on ethnicity, 92% considered themselves to be white, 8% did not answer the question. The response to gender showed 49% female, 38% male, the remainder did not give an answer.
The survey questionnaire covered all modes of transport.
Community Transport Services
The survey indicates that there is little knowledge on the availability of these services. Hence this was a little used service amongst those completing the questionnaire. However it would seem that if the service was more widely advertised, there would in all probability be a greater demand for the service. This in turn would further over stretch a service that is already over subscribed.
Surprisingly the drivers of these services scored an average response regarding helpfulness and courtesy. Comments were received regarding the unreliability of the service, cancellation at a late hour, unsuitable timetables, non-availability without booking, call for longer hours e.g. 8am to 10.30pm 7 days a week and lower costs.
Public Bus Service
This service is widely used, maybe to some extent as those completing the survey having no alternative or being unaware of the alternatives. The principle criticism of this service appears to be the attitude of the drivers, equally divided between helpful/courteous and impatient/rude and drivers not putting the ramp down. A further criticism was not being given sufficient time to get seated prior to the bus setting off. It was suggested that access should be available for electric scooters and wheelchairs, easier access to get on or off, more buses with “low floors”, seat belts should be available, buses to travel at lower speeds, buses should offer a more frequent and reliable service, bus stops should be better lit. Greater use of a Park and Ride facility.
Public Tram Service
This service is very well received but is only available in limited areas. Again drivers are criticised for driving off too soon and reference made to a scooter being trapped in the doors. It was stated that there should be level access at all tram stops.
Taxis / Mini Cabs
Generally these are very well received. Costs were criticised as being too high and there was an inconsistency in the cost of fares. Drivers were generally well thought of, although the use of telephone and radio whilst driving was criticised with odd comments relating to the speed the vehicles were driven. There was indication that additional black cabs and cabs adapted for disabled use was necessary. There were comments about the unreliable service when a cab had been booked and that drivers should use ramps all the time.
Rail Services
The questionnaire result does not indicate a strong opinion of either good or bad.
Shopmobility
Most clients were well satisfied with the service provided, with particular reference to the helpfulness of the volunteers. It was suggested different locations where scooters could be picked up and dropped off e.g. near the Council Offices would be helpful, as would longer opening hours. Other suggestions were for more parking spaces being available at the outlets and the provision of a transport service from home and back.
Community car schemes
This is a little used service among the individuals completing the questionnaire therefore the response has little value.
Privately owned cars or vans
There is a vehicle available in approximately half of the households attached to the individual completing the questionnaire.
The survey was initially directed at individuals with disabilities. We are however aware that the elderly residents of the city, have the same problems. This is exaggerated for the elderly with limited means, unable to finance the cost of taxi fares. Community transport services are only available to individuals with some form of disability, making large numbers of the elderly ineligible. They then become totally reliant on public transport, often unable to access the service due to the walking distance between home and bus stops.
The above summary indicates that there is a requirement for additional transport provision, for the elderly and disabled, particularly in accessing the services provided by Shopmobility.
The conclusion to draw from this is that if Shopmobility were able to offer a transport service between the home of our elderly and disabled clients to our outlets, plus the return journey. It would enable many elderly and disabled to enjoy the freedom of shopping and visiting other attractions in the city centre. If the vehicle was not booked for its prime function, it may be possible to provide a service, at a cost to cover expenses, to other attraction outside of the city.
Results of the Shopmobility 'Transport Needs' survey
A survey was carried out to identify the perception held by disabled residents of the city with regard to the availability of transport.
The survey showed that the questionnaires were returned from a cross section of the city residents, with the largest numbers being from S5 and S8 postcodes, S9 and S10 being the next in order of numbers.
60% of those completing the questionnaire were aged 55 or over, with 40% being over 65 years of age.
The majority of the questionnaire replies indicate the there is little knowledge regarding the community services available and that it is considered difficult to obtain the information. However Public Bus, Tram, Rail and taxi services score well in the category of available information.
Of replies given on ethnicity, 92% considered themselves to be white, 8% did not answer the question. The response to gender showed 49% female, 38% male, the remainder did not give an answer.
The survey questionnaire covered all modes of transport.
- Community transport services
- Public bus services
- Public tram services
- Taxi’s services, combining both black cabs and mini cabs
- Rail services
- Shopmobility
- Community car schemes
- Privately owned cars
Community Transport Services
The survey indicates that there is little knowledge on the availability of these services. Hence this was a little used service amongst those completing the questionnaire. However it would seem that if the service was more widely advertised, there would in all probability be a greater demand for the service. This in turn would further over stretch a service that is already over subscribed.
Surprisingly the drivers of these services scored an average response regarding helpfulness and courtesy. Comments were received regarding the unreliability of the service, cancellation at a late hour, unsuitable timetables, non-availability without booking, call for longer hours e.g. 8am to 10.30pm 7 days a week and lower costs.
Public Bus Service
This service is widely used, maybe to some extent as those completing the survey having no alternative or being unaware of the alternatives. The principle criticism of this service appears to be the attitude of the drivers, equally divided between helpful/courteous and impatient/rude and drivers not putting the ramp down. A further criticism was not being given sufficient time to get seated prior to the bus setting off. It was suggested that access should be available for electric scooters and wheelchairs, easier access to get on or off, more buses with “low floors”, seat belts should be available, buses to travel at lower speeds, buses should offer a more frequent and reliable service, bus stops should be better lit. Greater use of a Park and Ride facility.
Public Tram Service
This service is very well received but is only available in limited areas. Again drivers are criticised for driving off too soon and reference made to a scooter being trapped in the doors. It was stated that there should be level access at all tram stops.
Taxis / Mini Cabs
Generally these are very well received. Costs were criticised as being too high and there was an inconsistency in the cost of fares. Drivers were generally well thought of, although the use of telephone and radio whilst driving was criticised with odd comments relating to the speed the vehicles were driven. There was indication that additional black cabs and cabs adapted for disabled use was necessary. There were comments about the unreliable service when a cab had been booked and that drivers should use ramps all the time.
Rail Services
The questionnaire result does not indicate a strong opinion of either good or bad.
Shopmobility
Most clients were well satisfied with the service provided, with particular reference to the helpfulness of the volunteers. It was suggested different locations where scooters could be picked up and dropped off e.g. near the Council Offices would be helpful, as would longer opening hours. Other suggestions were for more parking spaces being available at the outlets and the provision of a transport service from home and back.
Community car schemes
This is a little used service among the individuals completing the questionnaire therefore the response has little value.
Privately owned cars or vans
There is a vehicle available in approximately half of the households attached to the individual completing the questionnaire.
The survey was initially directed at individuals with disabilities. We are however aware that the elderly residents of the city, have the same problems. This is exaggerated for the elderly with limited means, unable to finance the cost of taxi fares. Community transport services are only available to individuals with some form of disability, making large numbers of the elderly ineligible. They then become totally reliant on public transport, often unable to access the service due to the walking distance between home and bus stops.
The above summary indicates that there is a requirement for additional transport provision, for the elderly and disabled, particularly in accessing the services provided by Shopmobility.
The conclusion to draw from this is that if Shopmobility were able to offer a transport service between the home of our elderly and disabled clients to our outlets, plus the return journey. It would enable many elderly and disabled to enjoy the freedom of shopping and visiting other attractions in the city centre. If the vehicle was not booked for its prime function, it may be possible to provide a service, at a cost to cover expenses, to other attraction outside of the city.