Croydon’s bus services have once again been improved by the involvement of a council-led resident group that aims to improve access and facilities across the borough for older people and those with disabilities. Croydon’s Mobility Forum (CMF), who review and make recommendations to improve access and facilities in Croydon, has been successful in its request to Transport for London (TfL) for a new bus stop on Shirley Road, to help bus users and pedestrians avoid a difficult road crossing.
After experiencing an issue getting across the difficult section of the road travelling to health appointments on public transport, vice chair of the forum and Croydon resident, Yusuf Osman, raised the problem to the group who instigated a petition. The CMF submitted the petition, which received over 100 signatures, along with evidence from the community about the need for an intervention which resulted in TfL agreeing to install the new bus stop on Shirley Road. The ‘Valley Walk’ bus stop which is now in use is available for buses towards New Addington, Bromley and West Wickham.
Yusuf said: ‘I am delighted that this new bus stop is in place. It shows what can be achieved with a good working relationship between residents, the council and TfL. It will make the lives of so many people, particularly elderly and disabled residents, far easier. “I’d like to thank the council’s sensory impairment team without whom this bus stop could not have been achieved. Their help allowed me to place a number of petitions in local shops which demonstrated the support amongst the local community for the stop.”
The forum is looking for new members to join and contribute to their important work. Interested disabled residents of all ages, older people, carers and representatives from local organisations are asked to email [email protected] including details of why they are interested and what they feel they could bring to the group.
