Passengers in North Sheffield will now be able to receive face-to-face travel advice via a new video conferencing system – TellyTalk.
The technology, which can be accessed by the public at the Sheffield Homes office in Stocksbridge, means passengers can receive public transport information in the heart of their local community.
Using the new service customers can receive travel information, find out more information about travel tickets and apply for a range of passes such as the English National Concessions pass, 11–16 MegaTravel pass and the 16–18 Student pass. They can also learn how to use the online journey planner - a service which plans journeys on public transport, giving customers the best possible route.
Passengers using the service can talk to Travel Advisor face-to-face using a computer screen. The service is completely free and is easy to use.
This is a joint partnership between South Yorkshire Passenger Transport Executive (SYPTE) and Sheffield Homes and is the first time anything like this has been introduced in South Yorkshire.
Andrew Dawson, Head of Customer Services at SYPTE, said: “This is great news for passengers. In addition to the options of phoning Traveline or popping into an Information Centre, customers can now receive face-to-face public transport information in their local community through TellyTalk.
“This technology broadens the range of methods for accessing information; we want to give people as much choice as possible.”
The new technology has been introduced by SYPTE to improve customer services and offer people more choice and variety in accessing public transport information. It is hoped that by making public transport easier to understand, more people will use it.
If the trial is successful SYPTE hope to roll it out at more sites across the county.
The service is available at Sheffield Homes from Monday 19 May, every Tuesday and Thursday between 1300 and 1600.
It is just one of the services offered by Sheffield Homes - others include a fully accessible building, free phones providing direct access to other Council Services, a loop system for those with hearing difficulties and also access to translated information and interpretation services.
Sheffield Homes North West Area Manager Surjan Tiwana said: "We have entered into this partnership with SYPTE to bring more services to the people of Stocksbridge. TellyTalk is very simple to use and already very popular. This initiative is just one of the ways in which we are reaching out to our residents and making life easier for them. Whilst customers are speaking to the SYPTE for travel advice we are also on hand to offer advice and information on a wide range of housing services. "
To find out more information about TellyTalk call Sheffield Homes on 0114 293 0000 or Traveline on 01709 51 51 51. Passengers can also access public transport information by visiting travelsouthyorkshire.com, calling Traveline on 01709 51 51 51 or by popping into any Travel South Yorkshire Information Centre.
Notes to Editors:
** MEDIA OPPORTUNITY **
Date: Wednesday 14 May 2008
Time: 10.00
Location: Sheffield Homes, Stocksbridge Housing Office, 516 Manchester Road,
Sheffield, S36 2DU.
Details: Andrew Dawson, Head of Customer Services at SYPTE and Kevin Hewitt of Sheffield Homes will both be available for interview. Journalists will also have the opportunity to try out the equipment.
Please confirm attendance with Julia Price, Senior Communications Officer on 0114 221 1413 or 07919 111361 or email juliap@sypte.co.uk
To find out more about the TellyTalk equipment developed by Technology Store contact David Heron on 01900 828 814 or email dheron@technology-store.co.uk.