Loading ...
This is a blatant assumption based on limited anecdotal experience (recent events aside), but nonetheless I don’t think disabled people use public transport anywhere near enough in Auckland City. Yes, I understand the services are infrequent and at times, operators can be difficult in regards to the imposition they deem you to place on their lives. But I’ve decided I really enjoy catching a train. (Click the pictures for a bigger version)
The conductors are friendly and helpful, much more so than bus drivers, and most of the trains these days have been refurbished to accommodate a long steel ramp which makes getting aboard a breeze, and extremely safe. Fares are reasonable too, as disabled people (both physically, intellectually, and visually impaired) are all eligible for discounted fares. It can be a little daunting, taking public transport by yourself, so go with a friend, and just see how much more independent it can make you!
For more info visit maxx’s website or give them a call on (09) 3666-400.
3 responses so far ↓
1 Review: Henderson Transport Centre // Dec 2, 2007 at 11:41 pm
[…] not forget, of course, that it’s also a train station! However it was a bit confusing figuring out how to get from the bottom of the huge flight of stairs […]
2 Tim // Dec 6, 2007 at 3:42 pm
After being forced to crawl onto a train a few years ago. I did quite a lot of research at the time into why the new platforms were lower than the trains creating a step. I was told that the new trains would be designed to be level with the platforms. Is this still the intention? If not why are they building all the platforms lower than the trains?
When I was in Vancouver last year my wife and I used the Sky Train which is totally accessible. Some bright spark had the idea of making the platform and the train the same high eliminating the need to muck around putting ramps down (it’s not really rocket science is it??)
On a positive note I commend the progress that has been made by MAXX to make things more accessible.
3 Ron // Dec 10, 2007 at 3:59 pm
In Adelaide they have got round this platform hight problem by adding a little sub ,or would it be super ? platform at a point along platforms which consists of a slab about 2m wide which is raised to the right hight and sloped or beveled at each side so you can drive up on to it. Then , as long as the driver remembers to stop with the doors just in front of it (which they usually do , off you go.A simple cheap, and neat solution to the problem which I bet MAXX can find a reason not to do
Leave a Comment