Re: Electrification and patronage

["clinton + diane smith" <cdsmith@dingoblue.net.au>]

Peter Berrett <pberrett@optushome.com.au> wrote in message
LlxO5.10273$Xx3.43966@news1.eburwd1.vic.optushome.com.au">news:LlxO5.10273$Xx3.43966@news1.eburwd1.vic.optushome.com.au...
>
> Clinton
>
> Whilst I have travelled the DMUs myself on various occasions and found the
> service clean I also found it slow and relative to other states -
> substandard.
>
> The lack of commitment to rail is best evidenced by Keswick railway
station
> where if someone wants to change from an interstate train to a suburban
> train they have to walk up and over a bridge and along one block.
>
> I don't recall whether there was wheelchair access to this station however
I
> do recall a steep set of stairs and no ramps.
>
> Is this the case?
>
> If so this may be a case of discrimination against people in wheelchairs
who
> require easy access between the two stations.
>
> Has SA got has a disability discrimination act? Whilst I am not disabled
> myself there may be a number of readers who are, and who are disadvantaged
> by this arrangement.
>
> cheers Peter
>

Peter,

I think you are correct about Keswick station, steep steps to bridge and no
ramp that I noticed. Don't know about disability laws but if the state did
not have them (which I doubt) the federal laws would apply. As for the speed
of the Adelaide trains I guess they are on the slow side and I would think
this is due to track condition and the number of close stops on the lines I
travelled. The Belair line is of course full of tight curves and heavy
grades (1:40/45??). Flange squeal is never far away (you can hear freights
screaming for 5-10 mins). The lack of govt interest and investment in
Adelaides trains is lamentable, as it is across the country for both freight
and passenger services.

cheers, Clinton