News: SYPTE providing access to opportunities

Since its official launch last October, the South Yorkshire Passenger Transport Executive (SYPTE) Access to Opportunities project has successfully provided transport assistance to nearly 1,800 looking to get into work, education or training.

Part of the project includes providing personalised transport plans to individual and/or organisations, which outline exactly how people can get to their destination efficiently and cost-effectively.

Ian Morton, Employment Coach at A4e Rotherham, contacted the dedicated Access to Opportunities Travel Advisors when his customers needed advice on how to get to training courses in the town.

Ian said:"I was delighted with the journey planning advice and support our customers got from the Travel Advisors. I was amazed to see that they thought of everything and supplied comprehensive information to meet all our needs. Their information and support has upheld the A4e goal of removing barriers to employment and I am pleased they are on board as an ally in our ongoing fight against unemployment."

Alan Nicholson, SYPTE's Business Development Manager added: "We are delighted to be assisting people with our Access to Opportunities project. Everyone knows it's been a tough time for jobseekers so we're happy to help in whatever way we can. We've had fantastic feedback from the project so far and will work hard to maintain the high expectations set."

The Access to Opportunities project, which is also responsible for enhanced bus services in the Dearne Valley area, is supported financially by the European Union. It has attracted £2.38 million of investment from the European Regional Development Fund as part of Europe's support for the region's economic development through the Yorkshire and Humber ERDF Programme.

Additional financial support has also been provided by the Coalfields Regeneration Trust and the Local Transport Plan.

SYPTE website

Images: sypte.co.uk