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Train travel training for students04/02/2010

Pictured with the students and staff from Coleg Ceredigion at Machynlleth Railway Station are Chris Wilson (TraCC) David Crunkhorn (ATW) and Gerwyn Jones (CRP).

Coleg Ceredigion students recently embarked on a 'train travel training' exercise to better familiarise themselves with train travel.

The event took place on Monday the 1st of February 2010 and involved 10 students being shown around the Railway Station at Aberystwyth and how to buy tickets and better understand timetables.

The students were also given an introduction to the benefits of travel by public transport and initiatives that have been developed to make the train travel experience more enjoyable.  However the highlight of the day, in the view of the students, was a return train journey between Aberystwyth and Machynlleth that included lunch at Machynlleth Railway Station.

Jonathan Daniel, a second year access to education student at Coleg Ceredigion, said "I've really enjoyed the event and it has given me the confidence to think about using the train on my own".

The event came about as part of Mencap Cymru's Partners in Politics (PIP) project that aims to empower young people with additional learning needs to change things in their lives.

The PIP team visit schools and colleges across Wales to support young people to get their voices heard and to get their concerns on the political agenda.

One of the main concerns for young people with additional learning needs has been access to public transport in Wales.

The students at Coleg Ceredigion decided to submit a petition to the National Assembly for Wales to highlight the need for increased train services in Aberystwyth but also to explain about the unique difficulties they have accessing public transport.

The students produced a DVD for Assembly Members which explained their desire to use public transport but also the problems they encountered with timetables and knowing when and where to get off a train or bus.

Sian Davies, Mencap Cymru's PIP Manager commented "Many people with additional learning needs feel anxious about accessing public transport on their own, but the students at Coleg Ceredigion have proactively been looking to overcome some of the concerns they have.

The petition they submitted to the National Assembly has made it possible for students to learn more about the transport system in Ceredigion and work in partnership with key transport organisations." The Chairman of the National Assembly Petition Committee approached Trafnidiaeth Canolbarth Cymru (TraCC), the local authority Regional Transport Consortium for Mid Wales.  Officers met with the students and it was agreed to look at ways to encourage the take-up of public transport amongst the students.  Chris Wilson, TraCC Co-ordinator said: "Working together through the Cambrian Railways Partnership, we felt that a familiarisation visit would help to build confidence in using train services amongst students".

A number of partners have worked together to arrange the event including Coleg Ceredigion, Mencap Cymru, TraCC, the Cambrian Railways Partnership (CRP) and Arriva Trains Wales (ATW).

Gerwyn Jones on behalf of the CRP said "We have been involved with a number of similar familiarisation events in recent times including ones with operators in the tourism industry, journalists and local politicians as well as now the students from Coleg Ceredigion.

We feel the events are especially useful ways of engaging with different groups from the local community to better understand their needs and to raise awareness of what the local rail network has to offer".