Four lucky Prize Winners have been chosen from respondents to Gloucestershire’s Youth Transport survey conducted between March and June 2021. The Prizes include One4All vouchers which will be presented to the young people later this month. The Youth Transport survey was designed to help understand the attitudes and perceptions of young people aged 10-25 in regards to public transport and sustainable travel in Gloucestershire.
The survey was co-produced by Gloucestershire Community Rail Partnership CIC (GCRP) and Stroud District Youth Council (SDYC) with 15 young people taking the lead to drive design and outreach. GCRP takes a strategic and proactive role in improving access to public transport through projects that empower and engage the communities served by Gloucestershire’s 9 railway stations. GCRP works in partnership with train operating companies, community organisations, planning departments and destination management organisations. Community rail activities are underpinned by the Department for Transport’s pillars for community rail.
Stroud District Youth Council (SDYC) is supported and developed by Stroud District Council as part of their youth service. SDYC is the recognised active voice for young people in the Stroud district. It strives to represent 11 to 18 year olds and influence all decision makers, on matters of importance to young people. SDYC are an award winning youth-led organisation which celebrated its 21st year in 2021 and a member organisation of the British Youth Council.
Ben Stone, the SDYC Leader said: "On behalf of Stroud District Youth Council (SDYC), I’d like to thank all young people who participated in the survey; it will lead to action on improving transportation within Gloucestershire. Hearing your views and experiences has been central to SDYC’s active involvement in creating and promoting the travel needs survey in collaboration with the GCRP. We are pleased that young people’s voices will continue to be heard on this important matter through the further active involvement of young people.”
The survey received 862 responses with over 80% of respondents acknowledging that public transport is a smarter environmental choice. However the results identified there are many factors that inhibit their ability or willingness to use these services such as safety concerns, pricing and timetable issues, information access and discrimination.
Hannah McDonnell GCRP’s Co-Director said “ We are delighted that there has been such a positive response to the survey and are looking forward to expanding our Youth Transport Forum to help develop our youth projects and to address the barriers to sustainable transport for young people”
Over 150 survey respondents registered an interest in participating in GCRP’s Youth Transport Forum. One of the winners Ash Shylesh said: “Having my opinions and thoughts heard regarding the future of travel in Gloucestershire is something I’m grateful for. I’m excited for a future of economic stability and effective public transport.” The forum will work with GCRP so that insights and the needs of young people can be shared with key stakeholders including transport planners, train operating companies and bus companies to influence improvements and change.
Our other winners also shared their thoughts on the survey. Rhiannon Paddock said: "It means a lot to have a say in public transport, as a young person public transport is key to my sense of independence. It’s also very important to me to try and reduce pollution and greenhouse gases. Public transport helps to make my community sustainable." Amelie Crimp also shared her thoughts: "Since the students at my school come from a wide area, I think it is good that transport companies are taking students’ opinions into account. I am also interested to see transport providers look into more sustainable option".
The Youth Transport Survey was funded by Great Western Railway and Cross Country’s Minor Projects Funding.
Contact Stroud District Youth Council: Steve.miles@stroud.gov.uk
GCRP Youth Engagement Lead: Hannah McDonnell:
hannah@gloucestershirecommunityrail.org
M: 07717 411614