(06 Dec 2021, 11:37 am)Adrian wrote That equality survey looks like it's been drawn up by someone with no real awareness of inequality. Or at least that is the impression I get from the questions being asked. 

The questions being asked are:

• Do you agree that zero emission buses can help to reduce health inequalities in the North East?
  
• Do you agree that funding for zero emission buses will support local jobs, skills and businesses in the North East?
  
• Are there any accessibility issues you consider particularly important in the design of the new zero emission bus fleet?
  
• Do you agree that zero emission buses can improve the lives of people living in rural communities in the North East?
  
• Do you agree that zero emission buses can improve the lives of people living in deprived communities in the North East?
  
• Do you agree that zero emissions buses can help to deliver a sustainable economic recovery in the North East?
  

It has to be a firm no for all of the 'Do you agree' questions. Any improvement or contribution is going to be nominal at best, because unless someone tells me it's going to radically shake up public transport (and the access to it) across the region, it's merely more of the same, but with some public cash for equipment, for businesses to increase their margin with.

Since I didn't want to be all negative, I did agree that zero emission buses can improve the lives of people living in rural communities in the North East, in the context that one of the proposed corridors would serve rural areas, including towns and villages, and connect to the World Heritage site of Hadrian’s Wall, Northumberland National Park and areas of outstanding natural beauty.