10 of the 12 busy platforms are accessable through steep concrete
steps, the other 2 underground platforms are reachable by escalator, but
there is no wheelchair access to any of the platforms.
Transport for NSW said 75 per cent of passengers across the rail
network do have disability access, according to the Director of
Disability Rights Policy at the Australian Human Rights Comission, David
Mason, precise measurements are difficult to take and access to Redfern
station is not yet required.
“The Disability Discrimination Act does not yet require access to all
public transport: there is a required schedule for phased achievement
of access as per the Disability Standards for Accessible Pubic Transport
which commenced in 2002 and set out a series of targets from there,” he
said.
“Given the importance of Redfern as an interchange and as a link to
the university and other major facilities it would of course be
desirable for Redfern to be accessible as soon as possible.”
Greens MP and transport spokesperson Cate Faehrmann asked questions
of the government on notice during Budget Estimates hearings regarding
improved access at Redfern station.
“From the Minister’s response it appears that the Easy Access upgrade
for Redfern hasn’t even been scheduled yet. This isn’t good enough,” Ms
Faehrmann said.
“This is a key station that services a very densely populated
community. It should be treated with the utmost priority,” Ms Faehrmann
said.
Spokesperson for Redfern community group REDWatch, Geoffrey
Turnbull, said: “In 2003 we asked for at least one lift so at least
people with mobility problems could access Redfern even if they needed
to travel via Central to change to another line”.
REDWatch and other groups are renewing their call in 2012 for one lift to be built as a matter of urgency.
“We need to force the issue on Redfern Station otherwise it could be many more years before we see access problems addressed.”
A Transport for NSW spokesperson said they are undertaking a review
into the way stations are selected for easy access upgrades, commuter
car parks and interchanges and general station upgrades in order to
ensure the best possible outcome for public transport customers and the
taxpayer.
After the review is completed the Government will be in a position to
announce new and additional rail station upgrades based on the updated
criteria.
However, action is far from assured.
“We understand that nothing will happen until the new government
finalises their Transport Master Plan. Redfern station will then need to
compete for funding up against other transport projects” Mr Turnbull
said.
Source: www.altmedia.net.au/wheelchair-access-denied-no-getting-off-at-redfern/46874