Stay Mobile! Crossing the Public Transport Threshold Together

Traveling by public transport can be exciting. The OV ambassadors project helps people cross the threshold. For example, with two well-attended Blijf Mobiel meetings for seniors in Eindhoven and Waalre. Eindhoven Library hopes for a follow-up of these pilots.

Experience for yourself how easy it can be to get on the bus. Discover whether you need a public transport pass. Learn how to buy a ticket. 'It can be just the push you need to use public transport. And that opens up your world, makes you more self-confident and self-reliant and contributes to a more connected society', says Cilia Groothuis, Theme Director People & Society.

Not self-evident

It is precisely the reason why the library pays attention to this subject with the OV Ambassadors project. 'The library is committed to improving people's basic skills in all kinds of ways. For example, we work with reading media consultants and our Language Café on language skills. For digital skills, we use courses such as Click and Tap, the Digicafé and our Digital Government information point. Travelling by public transport is also a basic skill. And that is far from self-evident for everyone.'

Big hurdle

For example, seniors can experience a considerable threshold for public transport. 'For those who have not boarded a bus or train for a long time, it feels as if a lot has changed. That is why seniors are one of the target groups that we focus on together with the municipalities of Waalre and Eindhoven. One of the projects with which we do this is the pilot of the Blijf Mobiel meetings. We do this together with Reizigersoverleg Brabant, which has trained a group of public transport guides', Cilia explains.

Be prepared for public transport

The meetings were organised in Waalre and Eindhoven. 'The interest was overwhelming. In Waalre we had expected 20 people, more than 60 showed up. In Eindhoven 40 people showed up. Even people who were well over 80. That immediately makes it clear that the need is great. For example, there were quite a few people who still drive but who want to be prepared for the switch to public transport. 'It's better to have done it once before you have to', we heard regularly.

Growing enthusiasm

In the mornings, the public transport ambassadors provided information in Eindhoven and two representatives of the local bus did the same in Waalre. There was also room for people to ask questions. 'Extra fun: there was a bus from Hermes – also an important partner for us – ready. People could take a look inside. Many people were pleasantly surprised when they saw that a plank can be lowered to make it easier to get in with a rollator. The public transport ambassadors received many questions and the enthusiasm among the participants grew. It was a great success and it would be fantastic if we could add this to our services on a structural basis. Also for other target groups.'

Looking for a solution

The pilots have provided a lot of insight into what the target group needs. 'We are therefore going to think carefully about the follow-up. This could be meetings but also consultation hours with public transport ambassadors. We also offer – also in collaboration with the Travelers' Consultation – practical experience in the form of a trial trip with a public transport guide. But to continue with the project, we still have challenges. First of all, we need public transport guides. So do you want to help people use public transport? Register via info@reizensovelegbrabant.nl. Furthermore, the subsidy for this project will expire at the end of this year. I assume that we can continue this addition to our services with partners such as Hermes, NS, the municipalities and Brainport Bereikbaar. We already regularly consult with Brainport Bereikbaar about the accessibility of our own branches and hope that we can find a solution for this challenge with them as well.'