Public Transportation

Joining a meeting with the Traffic and Transportation Department (TTD) about BTS elevators project and Change Bangkok for everyone campaign

On behalf of the president of a railway accessibility and a following-up of BTS elevators installation group, the representative of T4A association and PWDs, I went to meet Mr. Phanurak Klannurak, director of the TTD, and his board of directors in order to follow up the installation process of additional elevators on BTS stations and also others projects that we may work together in future.

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New Van… is it accessible to all?

I just recognized the new van which already operated in some routes. From my perspective as seen from the outside, it looked no different than the typical model. I didn’t see a wheelchair logo, hydraulic system, or a low-floor entrance like those new operating bus model. Dear Prime Minister and Minister of Transport, Thailand has had a law regarding the requirements of accessible facilities for more than 10 years, this includes in public transport as well. Moreover, the current government policy also regards universal design for all as part of their strategy. These accessible facilities are built for all, and …

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The Advent of BTS Ramp Plate

When you get off a train, there would normally have a gap between the train and the platform. Despite the gap, some trains stop at an unparalleled degree (different height level) to a platform edge. This gap makes it quite uncomfortable and unsafe, but ordinary passengers can still go through it. However, the case is not true for wheelchair users in particular of those having severe disabilities or having a power wheelchair with substantial weight. This hindrance is too risky and they cannot go through it by themselves.

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The power of change, an impressive progress from Korat super cool!!

Thailand’s public transportations is currently flourishing throughout the country, not just Bangkok. More than 5 years I and our strong networks have engaged in countless projects for more equitable accessibility. For part of the Accessibility Is Freedom, we run with our own limited money, so its impact might be modest. Days ago I got news that there would be a general meeting to gain public opinion in regard to the Light Rail Transit in Korat. Oh boy, this news drove me crazy. I really wanted to attend, but I just can’t make it due to my financial and time. However, …

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An open letter: Requesting to test and discuss in regard to UD shuttle boat.

28 August 2019 Title: Requesting to test and discuss regarding the shuttle boat’s adoption of a universal design concept To: Krung-thep Tha-na-kom Co., Ltd. The Accessibility Is Freedom and the Transportation For All (T4A) have conducted an intensive field survey concerning accessibility issue on the MRT and BTS Bang-wa stations which also are linked to Bang-wa Pier.

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Are we truly equal?

A few days back, I was doing a field survey at ground level under the MRT Tha-phra station. There, it was a major intersection with wide road and busy traffic. The crosswalk colour was obvious, but not every crossing connected with footpath ramp. Yet the worse is still to come as traffic system provided ‘Left turn on red’, and rarely one would stop for pedestrians to cross safely. This complex intersection was also right under the (elevated) train station so it looked a bit dim, especially at night. In addition, after the station completion, there was a brand-new skywalk, replacing …

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Participating in a meeting to address the importance of public transportation for all

The Accessibility Is Freedom and Transportation for All (T4A) have been encouraging to bring up the issue of public transport for all to the spotlight. Recently, we had a wonderful opportunity to have the first meeting with the Department of Rail Transport in order to highlight the issues. It’s a general first meeting in an attempt to share insights and information. The participants in the meeting consist of diverse people from various groups including contractor, rail service provider, PWDs representative, and many related parties. From a holistic point of view, this is a good starting point.

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