For most, Taipei City's mass rapid transit (MRT) system is a fast and convenient form of transportation with modern and accessible station facilities. But for Tang Feng-cheng (唐峰正) and many others who are physically challenged, the MRT's services are far from perfect.
Accompanied by Taipei City Councilor Tuan Yi-kang (段宜康), Tang and two other physically challenged individuals yesterday morning demonstrated to the media just how some of the facilities at the MRT's Taipei Main Station are inconvenient to people who are not able-bodied.
First, the group drew attention to the gap between the platform and the train, which at certain points of the station measured over 10cm.
"One time I saw a baby in a stroller almost fell out when one of the front wheels got caught in the gap as the mother was trying to get both of them into the car," said Tang, a wheelchair-bound 35-year-old. "Although I've found a way to maneuver my wheelchair while getting on and off the car, I still find it very dangerous."
Tang said that he has complained about the situation several times to the Taipei Rapid Transit Corporation (TRTC ,台北大眾捷運公司), only to receive "bureaucratic" responses.
"I have to commute almost every day between Hsimenting and the Taipei City Hall. I'm afraid that I might have an accident someday," he said.
The group then moved to the elevators, which are designed for the convenience of the physically and mentally impaired, the elderly and pregnant women.
"Often I have to let able-bodied individuals get in and out of the elevator first. Although I don't really mind doing that, I'd like to see the door of the elevator stay open longer and close a little bit slower," said another wheelchair-bound individual, Huang Chun-nan (黃俊男).
Huang, who is a consultant at the Cheng Feng-hsi Culture and Education Foundation (鄭豐喜文化教育基金會), said that he has filed complaints at the TRTC, but has never received a positive response.
Finally, the group examined the restroom facilities for the handicapped.
After strenuous efforts by Tang and Huang to open the heavy steel door, they finally managed to get inside.
RSS