RELBUS welcomes the East Lothian on the Move initiative set up by the council in association with the Area Partnerships. Consultants Peter Brett have been appointed to investigate ways in which the journeys made by local people could be greener and smarter. Currently, and as a first stage, there are a series of drop-in meetings taking place across the county. People can hear about a range of alternative means of travel and say what they think are the barriers to their use. Later there will be more detailed discussions in smaller groups about how things can be taken forward.
Barry Turner, chairman of RELBUS and a member of the steering group overseeing the initiative, said: ‘What’s happening will help highlight the concerns that RELBUS has been expressing for some time about transport difficulties faced by people in rural communities who don’t have access to private transport, who cannot drive or perhaps would prefer not to. Hopefully some good ideas will come forward to be taken on board by the council, the transport providers and community organisations. Though money will only be available for relatively modest projects, I hope the initiative, through raising awareness and expectations, will be a stepping stone to bigger and better things on the transport front. We certainly need some action given the likely transport impact of thousands of new homes.’
Meetings still to be held are at St Andrew’s High Church, Musselburgh, on 3rd September, John Gray Centre, Haddington, on 7th September and Port Seton Centre on 10th September, all between 3pm and 8pm. If you’ve missed a meeting or cannot attend you can find out more and complete an on-line survey by visiting http://www.eastlothian.gov.uk/smartertravel or Email eastlothianonthemove@peterbrett.com.