Tweeddale MP David Mundell is urging older Borders residents to detail their opinions and experiences of public transport as part of Scottish Borders Council’s Improving Access to Transport Survey 2012. Scottish Borders Council are currently looking to improve transport for older people who find it difficult to access key health services easily and who do not have access to their own vehicles. This includes transport to key services that are important in everyday life, for example trips to the GP, Hospital and Health Centers. Mr Mundell believes it is vital that as many people as possible give their views in order to optimise the public transport network locally. The MP who is regularly contacted about bus services in the region, is keen that people take this opportunity to push for change and improved provision for rural communities who rely on public transport. Mr Mundell is particularly urging older people to take part in the online survey as they are often highly dependant on public transport links to access key health services. The survey can be accessed at www.scotborders.gov.uk/transport and Mr Mundell is urging those without access to the internet to contact Michael Sommerville at SBC Passenger Transport on 01835 826751 to request a paper copy of the survey.
Commenting local MP David Mundell said: “It is vital that older people make their voices heard on public transport. In a rural area such as this accessing key health services are essential to everyday life. The only way to improve current services is if the people using them and wanting to use them give their feedback. The survey, also available in paper format, takes less than 5 minutes to complete and could make a real difference to our public transport network. I urge local residents to make their views known whether they currently use public transport or not.”