I believe that the request for an exemption under the DDA by ORTA is

unreasonable.  Planning for the Olympics commenced before the bid was even

accepted.  To fail in providing accessible transport is merely a product of

disinterest on the part of the various authorities concerned.

 

Olympic events will also be held in Brisbane.  The Gabba will host the

soccer (this is sacriligeous but regrettably money speaks).  By ORTA's logic

Brisbane should recieve rather than donate buses.

 

Rather than randomly assigning low floor buses to any route, creating a

situation in which they are virtually useless, Brisbane City Council

designates routes on which all buses are accessible.  We currently have 3

commuter routes and 3 shopper routes that are fully accessible, with more to

follow as new buses are purchased next financial year.  This gives certainty

of service and creates an environment in which journeys can be planned or

taken spontaneously.  Should the people of Brisbane lose their accessible

buses on the designated routes due to lack of commitment to accessible

public transport in New South Wales?  As I stated earlier this is

unreasonable.

 

Getting to this point has been a long hard struggle.  To be slapped in the

face by ORTA, desperately trying to cover its own ineptitude,  is an insult

of the greatest magnitude.  Rather than plunder the nation of its accessible

buses, ORTA should think about very quickly ordering some in.  Of course at

this late stage that will most likely be impossible.  What a shame they left

the request for an exemption so late in the day.  Poor planning again?

 

Air do shlainte

 

John