Eighty per cent of London’s buses are now more accessible for disabled people and to celebrate Transport for London and Inner Arts are launching BusStopping on Thursday 17 July. BusStopping is an arts project where a diverse group of performers transform an accessible bus into a stage for music, dance and drama.
BusStopping marks European Year of Disabled People and highlights how it is easier for disabled people and other users to travel on London’s buses.
Head of Equality and Inclusion at Transport for London, Pip Hesketh said:
“BusStopping celebrates our commitment to disabled people. Access is very important to us and we consider measures to improve accessibility to be part of our every day business activity. We will continue to work closely with disabled people to ensure that all improvements we make to buses and bus stop facilities do make travel easier for disabled people and other travelers.”
Inner Arts Director, Rachel Bradbear said:
“Developing a performance in such an unusual space has been a very exciting challenge. By involving a diverse group from Newham we have been able to highlight buses as accessible spaces for all. With BusStopping we hope to break down barriers in a fun and innovative way.”
Editors notes
1. BusStopping will take place at these locations:
Thurs 17th: 6.15pm Stratford Circus, Theatre Square, London E15 1BX
Friday 18th: 1 & 3pm City Hall, The Queens Walk, London SE1 2AA
Friday 18th: 6.40pm Sadler’s Wells, Rosebery Avenue, London EC1R 4TN
Saturday 19th: 1 & 3pm Respect Festival, The Dome, Greenwich SE10
2. Performers range from 11 to 55 years and include Newham school students, members of the Newham community and groups in Newham.
3. The event has been organised by TfL (Equality and Inclusion) and Inner Arts in partnership with Newham Council, Stratford Circus, Newham Sixth Form College and Your Newham 2010 Local Strategic Partnership (Neighbourhood Renewal Fund).
4. The project builds upon work already undertaken as part of Stratford Circus’ Arts in Health Project and research undertaken by TfL. Participants will work with a number of professional artists/workshop leaders to create original music, dance, drama and design for a mobile performance piece.
5. One of London’s latest accessible buses will be an integral part of the project, used for rehearsals, the performance and will transport the group between the performance venues.
TfL Press Office: 020-7941 4141
London Underground Press Office: 020-7918 4747
Amanda Brooks
Press Officer
Email: amandabrooks@tfl.gov.uk
Direct line: 0207 941 4882
