SRT’s double track rail, the station platform wasn’t made at the same level. What will affect the passengers?

We heard the news that the State Railway of Thailand (SRT) was building station platforms which were lower than most of new stations and a public transportation system where everyone has equal access is one of our topics that has been followed closely.

“If we can transport, we can develop our lives” is the sentence that I always use. I don’t care if it’s high or low, all I want is that everyone can use it conveniently and safely without extra equipment. Reducing the complexity and difficulty during the use are enough.

The station platform that is high or low for the one who didn’t follow might not be able to imagine it. So, I made an easy looking graph following with some suggestions:
– If the station platform is at the same level with the train’s floor: everyone can go in and out easily. Let’s imagine BTS in Bangkok. Yes, it is that easy.

– If the station platform is not at the same level as the train’s floor: everyone has to use a stair like in Hua Lamphong train station. Everyone will have problems using it, more or less depending on your physical condition. Let’s take a look at a group of passengers who have more convenience or less.

1. Strong people are easy to transport
2. People who need special care, including people with mobility disabled, the eldery, sick people, pregnant people, family with kids, and travelers with lots of stuff, they are all having trouble, especially wheelchair users who 100% are not able to use it.

For the one who didn’t know SRT has done a hydraulic vans that can lift wheelchair users. I really appreciate that at least wheelchair users can travel but it is difficult, chaotic, inconvenient, needs to be booked, and can be used in some provinces. I have to admit that after I used it for the first time, I won’t use it again because it is really difficult in both systematic and service.

I also got information about the construction of the doubling track train but needed to observe and follow to find facts:
1. For the finished train stations are all built high station platforms.
2. Only “The South Line” and some sub-stations that built low station platforms.
3. All the low station platforms will be lifted later.
4. All projects are designed and budgeted for a high station platform.

After reading all of these points, It is a bit weird.  SRT has been in service for more than hundred years and until now everyone wants SRT to improve more than ever.

I always saying that, today you might be healthy and strong but for tomorrow it might not be the same. Our body and health change all the time. People surrounding you or even yourself might become the second group soon or later.

We have a constitution. We have clear ministry rules, and Rights of transportation. Everyone must have equal advantages and access.