PASSENGERS with limited mobility now have an easier time getting on the train to Sydney, thanks to a longer, reinforced ramp available at Armidale Train Station.
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Member for Northern Tablelands Adam Marshall and local wheelchair and access campaigner Steve Austin were both pleased with the improved functionality during a recent inspection and trial of the new ramp.
“Like many older platforms, Armidale Train Station wasn’t designed with wheelchair access in mind or for the current trains,” Mr Marshall said.
“It has a steeper platform and the old ramp stored on the train has a very harsh incline which means wheelchair users need to reverse down it, which is quite daunting and somewhat dangerous.
“This longer and stronger new 2.1 metre ramp provides a much gentler slope, allowing those in wheelchairs or with mobility issues to get on and off the train with confidence and completely safe.
“For many people with limited mobility, the Xplorer train service is their preferred way to get to Sydney and everywhere in between – whether it’s to visit friends or family, attend medical appointments or sightsee. Not all of us are able to drive or catch a plane.”
Mr Austin welcomed the arrival of the new ramp, saying it was vastly better than the previous shorter version, which would flex and bend when in use.
“It’s safe and it’s a vast improvement on the old one, because of the extended length and it’s a one piece base, whereas the slats before raised in the middle, which would cause the ramp to move when it was in use,” Mr Austin said.
“This is great for Armidale locals and the ultimate aim is to have them on all regional trains without NSW to make it safe. People with disabilities across the state need them to get down to Sydney for social visits or medical appointments.”
This is great for Armidale locals and the ultimate aim is to have them on all regional trains without NSW to make it safe.
- Steve Austin
Mr Marshall said the ramp would give greater options and dignity to many people who use the service and there’s a great opportunity to introduce them to more regional platforms with similar issues.
“Currently, Armidale is a trial site for the new ramp, which remains at the station – and I’d like to see it rolled out to further stations across country NSW when the tests conclude at the end of July,” he said.
“If this ramp would make it easier for you to use the Xplorer trains, I’d encourage you to try it out before the end of July and provide any feedback to me so I can let the government know.”
The station was selected as a trial site for the new gear after Mr Marshall wrote to the Minister for Transport requesting better access at the station last year.
