All Skytrain stations to be installed with elevators
ALL 23 stations of the original Skytrain network will have to provide elevators for passengers within one year following a ruling by the Supreme Administrative Court, which overrode the verdict of its lower court.
More than 100 elderly and physically-disabled people showed up in the courtroom yesterday to listen to the court’s verdict. Up to now, just five stations were equipped with elevators.
Six years ago, the Central Administrative Court ruled that the Skytrain operator was not negligent given that at the time the BTS original network was developed, no laws required that such facilities must be provided.
Redemptorist Foundation for People with Disabilities secretary general Suporntum Mongkolsawadi and supporters had lodged a complaint against the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA), the Bangkok governor, the chief of BMA Public Works Department and Bangkok Mass Transit System) over the issue.
The original BTS network covers 23 stations under a concession granted by the BMA. All its newer stations for extension routes, so far, are equipped with four elevators each.
The Supreme Administrative Court yesterday said its ruling was based on a ministerial regulation, which comes into effect under the Rehabilitation of Physically-Disabled People Act BE 2534, and a regulation issued by the Commission on the Rehabilitation of People with Physical Disabilities.
In addition to the elevator requirement, the court also ordered that BTS trains be equipped with facilities friendly to wheelchair-bound passengers; for example, proper space must be designated for them as well as proper |railings.
The space designated for wheelchair-bound passengers must be at least 120 centimetres wide, and the railing must be at least 80 centimetres above the floor. Clear signs must be displayed at the entrance and exits of the trains to indicate the location of the wheelchair-friendly spaces.
“I am moved. The ruling reflects that the society is improving and heading towards fairness and equality,” Suporntum said after the ruling.
Walop Salee, a person with physical disabilities, said with the elevators, pregnant women would also find greater convenience in using the BTS services.
Anat Arbhabhirama, who chairs the BTS Management Committee, said his firm was ready to comply with the ruling.
“It’s just that we have to study the court verdict before making any further comment or taking any action,” he said.
Deputy Bangkok Governor Amorn Kitchawengkul said the BMA in fact signed a contract to have four elevators installed at all BTS stations in November last year.