SEVERAL members from the Damai Disabled Persons Association (Damai) took a spin in the Autonomous Rapid Transit (ART) trackless trams in Putrajaya to ensure it was accessible to the disabled.
Damai president V. Murugeswaran said that while ART was modern, it was not accessible for the disabled, especially those in wheelchairs.
“It was not easy for them to get in and out of the ART as there was no ramp installed, and we had to be carried by ART workers,” he added.
During a site visit, StarMetro found limited space for the disabled, with only one coach having space for them.
“It was quite cramped when we were in there,” he said.
Damai member Maha Bobee Sulaiman, 60, said it was troublesome for wheelchair users who would need to be carried into the tram.
“We want to be independent instead of waiting for people to help us,” she said, adding that, as a person with disability, she felt being a burden when asking others for help.
Murugeswaran also asked for the installation of a locking system for wheelchairs in ART trams.
“There is no locking system. Without this, we have to hold on to each other and the handlebar.
“When I was in there, I witnessed an old lady in a wheelchair almost flipping forwards,” he said.
He also said the Transport Ministry should get feedback from stakeholders.
“They should get opinions from the disabled to ensure the design is accessible for us.”
He said previously the Rapid bus was also not accessible to them.
“We had to intervene and tell them about out problems before they made it accessible to us.
“Now, there is a foldable ramp at the bus exit for wheelchair users to get in and out easily,” added Murugeswaran.
