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Originally Posted by Mark Gleeson
Edit
Having read it again it sounds like a complaint was filed through IE or the Rail Safety Commission (I would have done such if I witnessed this) and a warning has been issued to discontinue the practice or the book will be thrown at them. It would of course help to actually have a copy of the email since quotes are always selective
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I don't see that myself.
The issue is actually quite straight forward.
The apparent "ban" only applies to electric wheelchairs. Ive seen the hard copy and thats what the lady in question is using in the photo. These types of wheelchair are much bigger than standard wheelchairs. The questions are, Is IE right to do this? Have they been instructed to do it via their own health and safety audit?
Mark is right about the wheelchair spec for trains on the Athy line.
While its an unfortunate affair, I would add the following opinion.
The ramps in Athy station are not a waste as a result of this incident. Standard wheelchairs can use them and can be accomodated a lot easier on the existing trains on the route. Ramps are also very beneficial to people with prams/buggies etc. The issue of accomodating larger wheelchairs in the design spec of new trains needs to be clarified. Finally, if IE are willing to accomodate a passenger in this type of wheelchair, by paying for a taxi/hackney to bring them to their final destination, that in my opinion is very good service.
This opinion is based on current accessibility policies of IE (A copy of which P11 have and is available from IE head office), the Nationalist article and not having seen the actual internal memo that is referred to.
Finally, I will add, that IEs accessibility booklet makes no mention of being unable to cater for large wheelchairs on accessible trains. So maybe there is a case of "making it up as we go along."