southtyneside.info
Blue Bus
What is the BBC Bus?
The
BBC Bus brings access to the internet and the airwaves to your
doorstep. It combines a radio studio with a computer centre. It's
a fun and friendly way to find out more about new BBC services
on TV, radio and the worldwide web.
On board there are people who can offer help and guidance to anyone, even if you have never used a computer before. You can send an email, search for facts and information, look for a job or just find out more about what computers can do for you.
What's on board?
There
are six computers and there are also facilities for printing and
taking digital photographs. Four of the computers can be accessed
by wheelchair users and there's software to assist visually
impaired visitors. At the front of the bus there's a mini
radio studio which is used by Ian Robinson and his team every
day between 10.00am and 1.00pm. Ian (right) co-hosts a show on
BBC Radio Newcastle along with Paul Wappat. Their programme is
a must-listen mix of mayhem and music from two North East lads.
Local history and the culture of the region lie at the heart of
the programme and they pride themselves on making the audience
the star of the show.
Where does the Bus go?
The bus is a collaboration between the BBC and a number of local partners. It is important that the Bus goes wherever there is a demand for its services. The bus will help make sure that all the 1.1 million people in Tyne and Wear have access to computers and the internet, and the opportunities that these can bring. The only real limitations to where the bus can go are due to its size and technical requirements.
| Length | 11 M (40 FT) |
|---|---|
| Width | 2.5 M (8.5 FT) |
| Height | 4 M (13 FT) |
| Weight | 9 tonnes |
The bus has a generator on board, but it can be quite noisy so sometimes we need to plug into a normal power socket. The bus connects to the internet via a standard phone line – one without "call waiting" or any other features is ideal. The bus is normally open between 9.30am and 3pm Monday to Friday. Special arrangements can be made if you want the bus to visit you outside those hours.
You can contact us by post at Broadcasting Centre, Barrack Road,
Newcastle-upon-Tyne, NE99 1RN; by phone on 0191 2441387 asking
for Paul Corcoran or by email: paul.corcoran.01@bbc.co.uk.
More on the Blue Bus including a time table