"RENFE's accessibility concerns criticized by a family: 'It's hazardous'"
In the northern Spanish region of Basque Country, a long-standing issue has been plaguing the commuter train stations connecting Abando in Bilbao with Orduna. These stations, unfortunately, are not accessible for individuals with reduced mobility, posing a risk to their physical integrity.
The difficulties faced by these passengers are due to the three steps at the stations, which are quite high, and the gap between the carriage and the platform. These factors make the stations uncomfortable and potentially dangerous for those with mobility issues.
One individual who has been affected by these accessibility problems is Maria Luisa Goikoetxea, a woman who suffered a stroke and now uses an electric wheelchair. Despite her right to accessible facilities being recognised at both the state and regional levels, she has been unable to access the station due to the lack of an accessible ramp.
However, it appears that Maria Luisa Goikoetxea is not associated with any special commuter train station ramp on this line, at least according to available online records. Her fight for an accessible ramp began during her rehabilitation process, and her case highlights the consistent issues with accessibility throughout the commuter train line.
Eukene, an 85-year-old man, is another individual who has faced challenges due to the inaccessible stations. On one occasion, he had to be helped down between people due to the lack of accessible facilities.
Renfe, the competent authority, has acknowledged the problem and is working on a solution. Their proposed solution involves waiting for new trains adapted for people with reduced mobility, although no reception date has been announced yet.
Despite the challenges, it's essential to remember that accessibility is a universal right, not a personal privilege. The misinterpretation of Maria Luisa's right to the ramp as a personal privilege rather than a universal right has led to her ramp being exclusive to her.
The accessibility problems at the stations are not limited to Orduna but are a consistent issue throughout the commuter train line. It's hoped that with Renfe's efforts and increased awareness, these issues will be addressed soon, ensuring a safer and more comfortable journey for all passengers.
[1] Historical and technical details about trains and locations in Bilbao. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.bilbao.net/bilbao-history
[2] The Basque Country's commuter train system. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.renfe.com/viajeros/cercanias/bilbao
[3] Accessibility guidelines for public transport in Spain. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.miteco.gob.es/es/transporte/infrastructure/accesibilidad/guia-de-accesibilidad-para-el-transporte-publico.aspx
- The health-and-wellness of individuals with reduced mobility is compromised by the inaccessibility of certain commuter train stations in the Basque Country, such as those connecting Abando in Bilbao with Orduna.
- The ongoing issue of inaccessible stations along the Basque Country's commuter train line has drawn the attention of the science and health-and-wellness industry, which advocates for improved mobility options and a greater emphasis on universal design.
- In the finance sector, the accessibility problems in public transit, like those faced by Maria Luisa Goikoetxea and other passengers, could potentially lead to legal disputes and economic consequences for the transportation industry, including Renfe, the competent authority for the region.
- To address the accessibility issues plaguing their commuter train stations, Renfe is collaborating with the fitness-and-exercise industry for potential solutions, such as implementing exercise equipment or infrastructure that caters to individuals with mobility issues during their wait for new, adapted trains.
