Stagecoach has become the first organisation in Sunderland to sign up to be more age friendly by becoming members of the Age Friendly Alliance (AFA) with Age UK Sunderland.
The company’s commitment is a reflection of the work it does to support passengers and the importance of its older workers. It is now leading the way in the city-wide initiative to adopt age-positive attitudes in relation to its staff and services.
Stagecoach has now been presented with an Age Friendly Alliance plaque for its Wheatsheaf depot by Age UK Sunderland
Tracy Collins, Chief Executive Officer of Age UK Sunderland, said:
“We can’t thank Stagecoach enough for the partnership they have forged with us, their foresight is to be commended in working towards making Sunderland a more age-friendly place to live.
“Addressing these challenges requires comprehensive policies and actions which ensure that an ageing population can lead healthy, productive, and socially connected lives.
Through their membership, Stagecoach will benefit from formal recognition across Age UK Sunderland’s platforms, networking events, age inclusivity workshops and access to tailored policy resources designed to support the advancement of age-friendly initiatives.
Michael Emmet, Stagecoach North East’s Better Health at Work Champion, said the company’s new buses with improved accessibility and next-stop announcements were part of its efforts to help older people.
“The new electric buses are a nice, calm environment and the announcements will help those with sight difficulties. Every driver receives training to support vulnerable passengers too,” he said.
Steve Walker, Managing Director at Stagecoach North East, said:
“Our partnership with Age UK Sunderland is part of the company’s national commitment at group level and we’re forging links locally through this alliance, giving commitments that we are going to help in any way we can.”
As part of its work with Age UK Sunderland Stagecoach has launched its Grand Day Out initiative in the North East. It provides day trips on its buses for older people to help combat social isolation and encourages them to make the most of the opportunities of free bus travel.
The Stagecoach drivers may be trained to help the elderly but few do. As a former bus driver from the 70’s, now needing to walk with the aid of a stick I find that many do not relax the pressure on the brake just before coming to a halt causing passengers to be thrown forward as the bus stops – something that was drummed into me in the bus school.. On top of that no consideration is give to the elderly when pulling away from a bus stop. It’s usually foot down, let’s go! Several times I have been struggling to get a hold of a pole to stop myself ending up sitting behind the bus as it disappears into the distance. Having said that, Go Ahead drivers are no better!