The MATISSE project identified a range of mobility related transport measures which, as a cocktail, customised to local needs can assist in reducing exclusion.

ECLIPSE has identified good practice examples where these mobility related measures have been successfully introduced and a selection of these are summarised below:

• Wheels to Work - Coventry and Warwickshire (UK)
• Improved road-user information for the blind, deaf, visually and auditory impaired - Trondheim (Norway)
• Mid Devon Shomobility - Devon (UK)

Wheels to Work - Coventry and Warwickshire (UK)

Transport can act as a major barrier to those living in rural areas when it comes to accessing training, education and employment opportunities. ‘Wheels to Work' schemes can provide a way of overcoming these barriers.

The objective of ‘Wheels to Work' in Coventry and Warwickshire is to assist those who have problems accessing training, education and employment opportunities in the region. Mopeds are provided for 16-25 year olds who have a start date for full-time training, education or employment.

The scheme offers moped loans for up to 12 months, at a cost to clients of approximately £2.50 per week (approximately € 3.66 ). Clients are provided with rider training, a helmet, a reflective bib, a lock, a thermal waterproof suit and gloves.

The scheme has been successful and is now incorporated into Warwickshire's Local Transport Plan. After six months of operation, the scheme was expanded to cover the north of the county and in May 2001 the scheme went countrywide.

Improved road-user information for the blind, deaf, visually and auditory impaired - Trondheim (Norway)

The two-year project in Trondheim consisted of several measures aimed at improving the road-user information for visually / auditory impaired and for the elderly. The project is anchored in the National plan of action for the physically disabled, in the plan for public transport in the Trondheim region, and in 'Trondheim , a functional city ' , adopted in May 1996 by the city council.

Automatic stop announcements have been tested as one of many measures in a this two-year project in Trondheim. In addition to installing equipment and software on the buses, the project financed digitalisation and adaptation of data for the bus computers. System and equipment training has also been financed.

Mid Devon Shomobility - Devon (UK)

In 1999, a need was identified for a ‘shopmobility' service for residents and visitors in the Mid Devon area. Before the scheme, those with mobility problems who wanted to use / access scooters had to travel to the nearby towns of Barnstaple or Exeter.

Shopmobility is based at a purpose-built centre, conveniently situated in Tiverton town centre. It provides battery-powered pavement cars and manual wheelchairs so that people with mobility impairments can access town shopping centres and other amenities. It also provides a mobile unit so that two smaller market towns in Mid Devon (Crediton and Cullompton) can enjoy the service without the need for further buildings. The mobile unit, a specially adapted Ford Truck, is equipped to transport scooters and wheelchairs to and from the three towns. It visits the two smaller towns for two days each week.

The scheme is thought to have made a real difference to people's lives. Those with mobility problems can now access shops and services independently in their local towns. It is also claimed that because people shop locally, the towns appear more alive and additional business for local shops and services have been created.

For more information on the above, please select the 'Deliverables' icon on the top left hand side of this page and download Deliverable 3.