Disabled users criticize metro
Users with disabilities expressed dissatisfaction with the metro system’s inaccessibility today at city hall, pointing out that at the current rate of elevator retrofitting, it will be 2085 before all the existing stations are made wheelchair accessible. Only six stations have elevators now – and three of those are in Laval. The STM’s original promise to do three stations per year has bogged down in the inevitable budget compressions.
Stefan 09:40 on 2010/12/16 Permalink
not only wheelchairs benefit but also those of us with a stroller (now even it’s carrying up and down for many stations) or those in a hurry.
if an elevator can be fitted such that it connects directly from street level to the platform (i.e. with pass through an extra, accessible-adapted, turnstile) one can pass a lot faster than navigating through the stairways and tunnels (the viennese metro system shows that this will pass you through much faster). it depends on what is located directly above the platform on street level though to be feasible.
lionel-groulx is not a good example for retrofitting – you have to navigate 3 (i think) separate elevators (and find them first).
in my opinion, making public transport fun, efficient to use (and also for an as large segment of the population as possible) is the key for making the switch from car use (much more than a lower ticket price). a broader clientele who wants elevators could also put more pressure.
on another note, i think currently users with disabilities use the stm’s adapted-bus service which no doubt is subsidized and taking up funds of which part could be freed once there are more elevators …
to compare the retrofitting programme in vienna:
1995-2004 (over 9 years), 35 elevators for 24 stations, eur 47m (~cad $60-70m). while this is $2.5-$3m per station, m. rotrand (stm and union montreal) estimates $10-$15m for the same.
this price difference makes me wonder – especially because in vienna there were also many additional expenses in the construction because many stations/buildings are landmarked.
$10m elevators??? vive la transparence!
Tamara 10:17 on 2010/12/16 Permalink
I think the worst is, that its installed and they don’t even let ppl use it! It took ages for the STM to build the elevators at Cote-Vertu and now they are all closed. That is just ridiculous.
ant6n 17:27 on 2010/12/18 Permalink
I’m with Stefan here. Part of the problem may be that STM stations use two side plattforms rather than one island plattform — which makes it necessary to install at least two rather than one elevator. The depth of stations, and the need to have turnstiles makes the process more difficult.
At 10M$ per station, one would really expect that the elevators are installed as part of adding a second exit to stations — which would increase the area each station can reach, and add a layer of safety.