Re: Threat to Melbourne Trams?

[garry <garry@merddyn.apana.org.au>]

Crookesp wrote:

> And finally, I'd like to see a cost-benefit analysis (including social aspects)
> of modifying the whole tram fleet as against providing a dial-up minibus for
> some mobility-impaired people.

This is of course the way to go in my opinion. We have done so in Brisbane for well
over a decade. However it appears it effects the self esteem of some handicap so
I'm told as they still can't travel  like anyone else.

Quite frankly I think people are taking equality too far. I think they are better
off with mini-cabs than having push their way through crowds on normal public
transport, especially in peak hour.

Finally, what about the delays one handicapped person trying to use PT in peak
hours causes, even with the most quickly loading wheelchair friendly vehicles. Do
those people who advocate complete integration stop and think about that. That is
why strollers, prams, shopping carts etc are banned from most PT in peak hours!

I think the whole "fad" and that's what it really is, is driven from people in
America who mean well but like most Americans, go over the top. I believe it stems
from the large number of wheelchair bound Vietnam Veterans who were disgracefully
shunned by America for many years and now America is trying to ease the pain from
their conscience by taking integration too far. Australia does not have the same
degree of the problem to start with, but nevertheless is blindly jumping through
Uncle Sam's hoop as usual.

Everything should be as equally accessible as possible to all people. Kneeling/low
floor buses are an excellent idea as too are the ones with retractable ramps. Wheel
chair lifts should be ignored completely except on special vehicles such as
mini-cabs buses specialising in handicapped travel. Why should money be spent
unnecessarily when it is basically being wasted. I have seen the wheel chair access
used once in Brisbane since in was introduced on Brisbane buses - I use them
several times a day and five times on QR trains in ten years.

The QR has attacked the problem in a realistic manner - a collapsible fibreglass
ramp carried in the guard's van meets the need at all stations, both local and long
distance. (QR trains are higher than platforms) It unfolds quicker than a lift or
retractable ramp and costs very little in comparison. Lifts/ramps provide access to
platforms.

I'm not anti providing equitable access, but lets be realistic about it. If it
can't be easily and cheaply done with trams then exempt them and provide minibuses
on the routes for the handicapped.

Cheers

Garry