Greater Manchester's Bee Network Committee has announced the appointment of its first-ever disability advocate. Cllr Tracey Rawlins will represent the needs and experiences of disabled people on the committee, which is responsible for key transport and active travel decisions in the city region. The appointment is part of Greater Manchester's commitment to the National Accessible Transport Charter.
Ms Rawlins, who is also the 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." The Accessible Transport Charter was launched by the cross-party Accessible Transport Policy Commission, chaired by Baroness Tanni Grey-Thompson, in response to the challenges disabled people face with the UK’s transport system. It aims to give disabled people a stronger voice in the governance and delivery of transport services, eliminate barriers to travel, and protect key services such a.