Ways to help people sleeping rough have been highlighted during a recent meeting
of light rail professionals.
Members of the UKTram Operators Group (LROG) have been updated on a new
campaign that’s backed by the Department for Transport and aims to raise
awareness of the issue
Steve Duckering, UKTram Operations Manager, explained that a recent DfT forum outlined details of the online StreetLink initiative that connects rough sleepers to support provided by local authorities and charities.
“As a leading organisation in public transport, we were advised that we can play a vital role in reaching thousands of people daily who may come across someone sleeping rough.''
Steve, who represented the light rail sector at the Rough Sleeping on Public
Transport Forum also called for operators to assist the campaign and urged them to
get in touch with StreetLink directly.
“By sharing StreetLink communications, they can help members of the public and
staff get in touch if they have concerns about anyone they see, either on the
tramway or anywhere else.
“Once StreetLink is alerted, outreach teams can then provide support for the rough
sleeper.”
In addition to the discussion on how light rail can support the StreetLink campaign,
the latest LROG meeting also included updates from networks across the UK and a
tour of the new Tram-Train depot in Cardiff.
“The tour provided a fascinating insight into the progress being made on this unique
project, and we would like to thank Transport for Wales for hosting the meeting, the
first LROG event to be held in Wales,” Steve added.
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