Tuesday April 24, 2007
Snag over Rapid KL bus facilities for the disabled
By CHRISTINA LOW
Photos by UU BAN
MORE than 30 individuals from various NGO's ga-thered at the Bangsar LRT station recently to try out the new facilities for the disabled provided by Rapid KL.
“We were so excited when we were told that facilities for the disabled would be available on public buses as it would definitely help us to get about,” said K. Se-garan, a member of the Indepen-dent Living and Training Centre.
The 20-year-old said with such facilities available, he did not have to rely on taxis or friends to move about.
Troublesome: The bus is parked close to the curb to enable the disabled passengers to get on board.
However, the group was a little disappointed when some flaws in the facilities became apparent.
“Every time the bus stops, it has to be parked near the road curb to enable the driver to lift and connect the ramp to the curb. Only then can those using wheelchairs come down.
In other countries, the bus is designed to match the curb to make it easy for those using wheelchairs and mothers using prambulators for their babies to get in and out of the bus.
“This is a hassle as each time the driver has to get down and assist us.
“Furthermore, the bus not only caters to the disabled but also able passengers,” said Malaysian Animal-Assisted Therapy for the Disabled and Elderly Association (PETPOSITIVE) president Anthony Thanasayan.
Thanasayan said one solution would be using a hydraulic lift.
Thanasayan: 'Hydraulic lifts have been used in buses for many years in other countries'.
“Hydraulic lifts have been used in buses for many years in other countries. We should follow suit,'' he said.
Another shortcoming is the narrow passageway on the buses. Those using a bigger wheelchair would find it difficult to move in and out.
The group said they did not want to rely on others to move about and wanted facilities that would help them lead an independent life.
“We are thought to be independent but with such obstacles, it is difficult,'' said Thanasayan.
He said Rapid KL should get ideas and feedback from the disabled as different individuals had different needs.
Support Group Society for the Blind of Malaysia (Supporteam) secretary Captain Abdul Karim Stuart Russel said the bus company should also announce each stop for the benefit of the blind.
He said the names of the stops should also be announced.
Also, he said the empty space at the front part of the bus for wheelchairs should be fitted with folding chairs for the able-bodied to use.
“The empty space is wasted when no wheelchair users are on board,” said Abdul Karim.
When contacted, Rapid KL's senior manager of corporate communications division Katherine Chew said the company had met up with members from the Barrier-Free Environment and Accessible Transport Group (BEAT) to understand and discuss the facilities that the bus company should provide for its customers before finalising details.
“We even tested the service with them and they seemed happy with it,” said Chew.
A little help: Rapid KL bus driver Pahamib Sarahing helping V. Munusamy alight from the bus.
“Our drivers will be trained to assist the disabled passengers, deaf and also the blind when they board the bus,” she said.
At present there are buses operating on the trunk and city routes for able bodied passengers as well as the disabled.
Chew said the disabled should begin using the services only after the launch in June as all bus drivers would have been properly trained by then.
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