LACK OF DISABILITY AID AS FAIRNESS IS DERAILED
I WISH to complain about V/ Line’s recent attitude towards people with disabilities, and their “so called” adequate replacement services when trains are not running.
Yesterday, I went to Geelong Station, in the hopes of making a journey from Geelong to Bendigo, via Southern Cross Station. When I discovered trains had been replaced, I thought, “No problem, they’ll probably arrange a mobility taxi replacement like they usually do for people in my circumstance.
This is where the nightmare began. The stationmaster pointed out they were running replacement buses. But I know that those buses — even the ones with the ramps — can only cater to the smallest of mobility scooters, and are unable to take even the standard-size scooter, as outlined on their own website.
This wasn’t the end of it. I tried asking them calmly, “What happened to the previous mobility taxis you usually authorise?”
“We only offer them when we are not providing buses” (was the reply).
About one in five buses that rolled up to the station actually had a ramp. So one every three hours … that most mobility scooters can’t even fit on. Is this an adequate replacement?
I’d argue not.
This still wasn’t the end. I tried to emphasise my point about it being an inadequate service, but then the stationmaster started demeaning and berating me for not having a small enough scooter.
My counter argument was that my scooter fits on a standard Velocity train, and on the old V/ Line diesel trains. Therefore, should they not provide an alternative form of transport?
He just became increasingly more hostile, causing me to lose my temper. It is bad enough having a disability, without this unsympathetic attitude to people like me that rely on such transport.
Then to be berated about my type of transport, just because they seemingly couldn’t be bothered to organise a maxi taxi.
V/Line: Please be more considerate of your clientele. Especially ones that have disabilities and need extra support. Andrew Saunders, Hamlyn Heights
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