New wheelchair-accessible buses!

[Spendrik]

ST reader, Ahamd Luqman Zizou sent us pictures of new wheelchair-accessible buses.

What do you think of these new buses? Share your views.

[cullypok]

I think there should be more of such buses in Singapore, so that the wheelchair-bound wouldnt be deprived of a cheaper mode of transport. Taxis would be too costly to travel around frequently.
Having gone to Germany before, I was impressed by their buses that caters to the both the wheelchair bound and bikers. I think bikers need to pay 1euro or something like that for their bikes to be up on the bus.
And jus to add, their buses are spacious n clean n most importantly, VERY punctual. (there is a schedule for the arrival of buses like _:_ _am)
Hope Singapore can attain that standard soon!

[imastomper]

I think the bus company will start charging us more too...I hope its a value added service and we won't have to bear part of the cost in the fare hike.

Anyway, its quite a good idea, but with the graciousness of the singaporeans (not forgetting the F grade), i think the wheelchair bound might experience some discomfort with the squeezing...especially during peak hours.

And on top of that, the interior design of the bus as well as the layout does not accomodate the wheelchair well. More has to be done. We cant just copy an idea wholesale.

[lightning]

it might still be a little inconvenient for them especially when its the rush hour. How do they try to alight if they are far from the doors and its crowded? Some parts of the wheelchair might just get 'hooked' to the seats or poles, or even give someone a bruise during crowded times.

Maybe a special place close to the door can be allocated for them so that it is easier to alight.

BUT, when they are trying to board a crowded bus, how do they get to their allocated places? They will still be stuck and can't alight conveniently.

[whiz]

Do the buses have any special seats for those on wheelchairs, maybe in front for accessibility? Will the bus drivers be more cautious when such people are on board. I can't imagine a bus that has to suddenly brake and what happens to the wheelchair bound person if he has not got any good solid railings to hold on to. Hope Singaporeans are more patient now that they have to wait for the people to come up the bus, get seated properly, before the bus moves off. I have a wheelchair bound friend who came to Singapore last year and had much trouble moving about, hope it's better now.

[strike87]

Its surely is welcome. But flipped side of the coin is may causing jams at bus stops because time is needed to deploy the ramp. Is it possible to fix a electric one?

[meowking]

Good ... now the handicapped can lead a more meaningful and slightly more convenient lifestyle ..

[chelchel]

Very GOOD! But does it actually takes alot of time to take in and take out that slope thing? Hmmmz, i hope no one grumbles when the bus is stopping a tad too long.

I like this move.

[deathgaze]

lol. just saw the news report on cna. my opinion: piece of sh!t. the bus design, i mean. just by looking at the interior, i think the maximum number of wheelchair bound passengers the bus can take, most likely, 3.

think about it. singaporeans are already very kiasu. especially during peak hours, people will do anything to get to their destinations.. and the designated area for the wheelchair is the "usual-standing-spot" in most sbs double decker buses. to the normal commuters, they'll just use that spot to stand throughout the destination. unless of course, the bus driver is so free or even bothered to tell the passengers to stay clear of the 'reserved' area.

yes, it's double deck. but do you seriously think the second level caters to the wheelchair bound people as well? for one thing, i dont see any mini escalators or lifts. lol.

and they dont come in small numbers, you know. think about a time when the bus stop is full of these wheelchair bound people (e.g. students who's just released from school?), how do you think they'll feel when they realised around 90% of the percentile of the bus design is catered for normal commuters? cant visualise? okay i give you an example.. let's say a bus stop has 10 wheelchair bound person. a bus can only take maximum of 2 during peak periods.. so like, what? wait for the next buses to get into the bus? lmao.

and dont get me wrong. im not discriminating these people in wheelchair, here... they're also humans and deserved to be treated like any other human. seriously, more needs to be done to this community.

nonetheless, sbs did a good starting platform to make singapore a better place for all her citizens. at least must give credit for this effort.. lol.

=)

[chelchel]

OH? I din noe tht bus could only accomodate for 3 wheelchairs.. Hmmz, actually maybe.. A policy like for handicapped, they have 50% off for taxi? Ya. i think it will be better that way. Because it will be actually more pragmatic. ya.

Deathgaze, u have a very good point.