Bus-stops not so 'friendly' for people with disabilities

MOST CITY BUS stops are not disability-friendly, adding to challenges that the physically handicapped have to overcome to lead a normal life. 

“Just 10 per cent of the capital’s 770 bus stops are qualified under the Thailand Transport Portal Ministerial Regulation,” Choomket Sawangjaroen, an academic at Thammasat University, told a seminar last week, citing survey findings. 

The event was the first of a roundtable series organised by the Redemptorist Foundation for People with Disabilities and the National Elderly Council, which seeks to enhance the lives of the physically impaired. 

Under this initiative, seminars will be held monthly until February to push for the instalment of proper facilities for the physical-ly disadvantaged and senior citizens. 

The first seminar focused on structural designs. It raised concerns about the overall image of Bangkok and perimeter rail transportation and accessibility. Guidelines were proposed to support safety, convenience and ease-of-use for the elderly and disabled on public transport.

They hope air, land and rail transport facilities will become more “considerate” to people with special needs. 

“The efforts are ongoing,” he said. 

According to the survey of all rail-based transport systems, people were most satisfied with the subway run by the Mass Rapid Transit Authority. 

Their reasoning was that station staff take good care of them and are nice in trying to ensure they had a pleasant ride. 

The subway also followed Transport Ministry regula-|tions and standards for toilets, parking lots, ramps, elevators, signage and information service points.

Somchai Jeayakul, who has some physical issues, said he often uses the subway, Skytrain and Airport Rail Link and found them generally good. 

“Staff are always helpful,” he said. “But the Phaya Thai station doesn’t have elevators.” 

Even at stations equipped with elevators, regular passengers used them, making it harder for those who need help, he said. 

Chatree Yoddonpai, a representative of BTS, the Skytrain operator, said some stations still lacked lifts because his company had to negotiate with the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration and landowners for space to add the elevators. 

“We have assigned our security guards to provide assistance and convenience at stations where elevators have not yet been installed,” he said. 

Sarawut Eksuwan of the MRT said the agency had a plan to ensure that each subway station has two elevators. The Purple Line already has a platform lift for wheelchair users.

Manit Intharapim, a member of the foundation, said he had long studied the services and facilities for the physically challenged and the elderly. 

“It’s going to be necessary to choose the facilities that are very safe too.”