A DEMONSTRATION was held at Wrexham General Railway Station this morning (Monday June 1) as part of a campaign by the Multiple Sclerosis Society calling for public transport to be accessible for everyone.
The MS Society Cymru says it wants the Welsh Assembly to take action ensuring disabled people do not find themselves being left stranded on railway platforms.
The group says it is working with the Welsh Liberal Democrats to get all-party agreement on a motion calling on the Assembly Government to draw up an action plan making public transport accessible to all.
MS Society Cymru was collecting petitions outside Wrexham General to support the debate in the Welsh Assembly taking place on Wednesday June 3.
Judi Rhys, director of MS Society Cymru, added: "We are calling on the Assembly Government to bring forward plans to develop true public transport in Wales, not just able-bodied only transport. "
Arriva Trains Wales head of franchise and stakeholder management, Michael Vaughan said: "Arriva Trains Wales can understand the concerns of our disabled passengers at stations where access is difficult.
"Under the Department for Transport Access for All programme a number of stations are already priortised for improved accessibility and these include Wrexham General, Cardiff and Newport."
"Arriva Trains Wales is also working closely with Network Rail delivering a major National Stations Improvement Programme, funded by Department for Transport and Welsh Assembly Government.
"However, while it is a long term aspiration to improve accessibility at all stations, the bill for the national rail network is likely to run into tens of millions of pounds.
"Arriva Trains Wales recognises this, and that is why we offer a journey care line on 0845 300 3005 where people with a disability who are travelling on our services can contact us.
We can then make special arrangements according to their needs.
Evening Leader, 1st June 2009
No comments:
Post a Comment