Accessibility groups praise Bristol Airport’s new Public Transport Interchange
Organisations championing airport accessibility have praised the new Public Transport Interchange at Bristol Airport that opened in the Summer.
Having consulted in the design of this project from an early stage, the Bristol Airport Accessibility Forum toured the new £60 million facility. They reviewed the accessible parking bays for passengers with reduced mobility on the second floor of the new multi-storey car park, the bus bays, including ones for the Airport Flyer and Silver Zone parking, the assistance call points and the new bathroom facilities. The tour finished with a walk across the level covered bridge link into the terminal building.
Martyn Collings, Performance and Contracts Manager at Bristol Airport, who also co-ordinates the Accessibility Forum, explained:
“The visit was highly beneficial, and it was great for the forum members to see their input and design suggestions turned into reality. It’s a fantastic example of collaboration between the Airport and the disability community to create a more accessible facility for all our customers.”
By being involved from the start, the forum members were able to convey the need for increased room to move around, use of colour and improvements to wayfinding and signage - helping to remove anxiety and claustrophobia - and allow passengers using wheelchairs or buggies to be able to move with ease.
Andy Wright, CEO of Accessible Travel Consultancy Services, said:
“I was very impressed with the new facility, especially with the amount of extra space. It was brilliant to see how our input in the design has made a real difference and that it’s now much easier arriving and departing from Bristol Airport.”
Forum members, especially Peter Bungay, Regional Policy and Campaigns Manager in the South West for Guide Dogs, had a strong input with the digital departure boards, expressing the need for contrasting colours and a simple design, making them much easier to read for people with reduced vision. He also explained how a clear route between the transport interchange and the terminal was essential, as well as making it easy to find each bus service.
Mr Bungay added: “It has been a great pleasure to work alongside all the members of the Accessibility Forum and with the Bristol Airport team to help influence the design of the new PTI. Some of the simple changes suggested by the Forum can make a huge difference to people requiring a little extra assistance and vastly improve their experience when travelling through Bristol Airport.”
Earlier this summer Mr Wright, Mr Bungay along with Stevie the guide dog were joined by fellow Accessibility Forum member Steve Ewens representing the West of England Sight Loss Council. They spent a few hours explaining what an airport experience can be like for blind and partially sighted customers as well as wheelchair users.
The tour took them through the check in area and to the security search area where they were able to experience the latest security scanners that were installed last summer and understand the type of searches that could take place from wheelchair checks to foot ware.
Customers requiring assisted travel must pre-book through their airline and at least 48 hours advance, as priority is given to these customers. For more information please visit www.bristolairport.co.uk and select the special assistance tab at the top. There is also a helpful video, which can be found in At The Airport section.
