Wellington ramps a ‘diabolical danger’
It might be a ramp but, for some, it’s a mountain.
Wellington’s outdated railway station ramps are endangering the very people they are meant to help, according to some would-be public transport users.
Steep, slippery ramps like the ones at Ka¯piti’s Paraparaumu Station were dangerous and impossible for people with disabilities to access, said Sandra Forsyth, who uses a walking stick.
‘‘It may as well be bloody Mt Everest.’’
Used for access through pedestrian under-passes, many of the region’s ramps outdate current accessibility standards but improvements were not part of the recently announced $193 million network upgrade.
The current gradient standard was 1:12 but the region’s ramps were 1:8 and made worse by slippery surfaces open
‘‘Going up is bad but going down is hell and for those who rely on transport for their shopping, it’s diabolical. It’s everybody’s right to access services and their right to live a life with dignity and not to be socially isolated.’’
Metlink was aware of the issues and looking at how to address them, a spokeswoman said.
An accessibility assessment of the network commissioned by Greater Wellington Regional Council was due to be completed early next year.
‘‘We have specifically asked for concepts and feasibility on to the elements. how to address the accessibility of ramps at the larger stations on our network, such as Porirua.
‘‘Once we have the results of the assessment, we will be working with the accessibility sector to discuss options.’’
For Karen Butterworth, who has a wheelchair, not being able to use the ramps has a significant financial cost.
Instead of taking advantage of free Gold Card travel, the polio survivor must take a taxi between Waikanae and Paraparaumu. ‘‘We get that for half-price but it’s still a lot of money.’’
Unable to stand for long periods – and with a husband who has disabilities – Butterworth said the ramps were impossible to navigate.
Ka¯ piti Coast Mayor K Gurunathan said the ramps were a health and safety issue. And it was ridiculous given the district’s demographics; 26 per cent of residents were over 65.
‘‘It’s disgraceful, pull finger and fix it.’’
Sandra Forsyth