Disabled bemoan lack of access

Representatives of the Transportation for All (TFA) network have tried for three years to convince the Ministry of Transport they should plan for the disabled to get on and off public buses. (File photo by Apichart Jinakul)

Disabled people are apparently at their wit's end with the Ministry of Transport (MOT) after three years of talks have still not yielded ubiquitous all-access facilities at public transport stops.

Representatives from a network of people with disabilities urged the MOT Thursday to follow through with its plans instead of stalling, due to the "little progress" that has been realised, said the network's attorney Warakorn Lairang.

Mr Warakorn, along with other members of the Transportation for All (TFA) network and ministry officials held a meeting chaired by Transport Minister Arkhom Termpittayapaisith.

"The TFA representatives have expressed concern for future links between modes of transport," Mr Arkhom said.

"These are issues to consider not only for the disabled, but for all commuters."

He said the TFA has suggested ways for the MOT to integrate systems across all of its transport modes to highlight what developments are most needed.

"The representatives also suggested low-floor buses be procured to assist commuters as they step off the vehicles," Mr Arkhom said.

"But these could become problematic, especially in areas where bus stops are curved, such as at Victory Monument.

"We must take their suggestions and find how they will be integrated into the system in the future."

Mr Warakorn said a number of key public transport projects have been approved by the government in recent years.

"Such projects are bound to have passed several research phases and environmental health impact assessments before construction," he said.

"Why, then, is there a persistent lack of effective measures to increase access for the disabled, elderly and pregnant women?"

He said the MOT cannot provide firm deadlines because any changes in contracts, or amendments to the law, need to involve a range of agencies like the Office of Transport and Traffic Policy and Planning before approval is given.

"We understand that the lack of urgent, substantial solutions is due to how the MOT must act according to established policies," he said.

"Nevertheless, we are ready to work with the ministry to improve the overall situation for all citizens.

"Accessibility is a public right."

Mr Warakorn added the TFA is pushing efforts to make electric train stations more accessible, including the addition of more lifts.

Last August, representatives from the TFA and other networks opposed price hikes of 1-3 baht on the BTS Skytrain that took effect in October.

They vowed to take legal action against the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) for not building more lifts for the disabled first.

An Administrative Court ruling in 2014 stated the Bangkok Mass Transit System Plc, which operates the BTS Sukhumvit Line, must facilitate travel for disabled and elderly individuals within a year.

Mr Warakorn said the work has still not been finished.