When Disable Rail Travel Goes Wrong
Apr 9, 2014 1:24:02 GMT -8
Post by Lαrα on Apr 9, 2014 1:24:02 GMT -8
I was reading an article earlier about problems that are faced (here in the UK) by wheelchair users using rail travel. I personally have travelled once in a wheelchair and once on crutches.
When i was in my chair i had booked assistance and everything was great...both on my outward bound journey and my return journey. I had nearby access to an adapted restroom and i had personal assistance.
The second time my solicitor's secretary failed to book assistance and it was an awful journey...
This article covers some of the issues faced...and criticized the passenger assistance service that often was not available when passengers turned up
Stranded on trains, denied an accessible loo and forced to be carried through step-filled stations. Disabled rail travellers have been telling a new documentary what happens when the system designed to help them doesn't work.
Wheelchair user Paula Moulton says that on one occasion she'd been made aware that a station's platforms weren't accessible via ramp, but decided that she could manage this in her manual chair by careful manoeuvring.
However, a "bizarre surprise" awaited her on arrival. "What they didn't tell us was that there were two flights of stairs and a bridge to get over to the other side. Some really nice guys picked me up and carried me, which I hate happening, but I hadn't got an option."
However, a "bizarre surprise" awaited her on arrival. "What they didn't tell us was that there were two flights of stairs and a bridge to get over to the other side. Some really nice guys picked me up and carried me, which I hate happening, but I hadn't got an option."
Do you have experience of rail travel in the country you live in..if so, how did you find the experience?
To read the full article click:Here
I guess I'm still not very good with this whole " accepting assistance" thing . . .