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Following is a question by the Hon James To and a written reply by the Secretary for the Environment, Transport and Works, Dr Sarah Liao, at the Legislative Council meeting today (May 10) :
Question:
Some persons with disabilities have told me that the access facilities provided at the entrances and exits of Mass Transit Railway (MTR) stations are not convenient for wheelchair-bound persons. Some pregnant, infirm or disabled persons who are not wheelchair-bounded have also told me that there is often inconvenience and even danger to them in entering and leaving MTR stations as there are inadequate access facilities for them. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council:
(a) whether it knows the measures adopted by the MTR Corporation Limited (MTRCL) to help pregnant, infirm or disabled persons who are not wheelchair-bounded and ensure their safety in entering and leaving the stations; and
(b) as some MTR stations have not yet been installed with lifts that link up the station premises with the walkways outside, whether the authorities have urged MTRCL to install such facilities to facilitate wheelchair-bounded persons and others in need to enter and leave the stations; if they have, of the details, and whether MTRCL has any plan in this regard; if it has such plan, of the details and timetable; if it has not, whether the authorities plan to set up a committee to study and follow up the issues relating to the improvement of access facilities of the MTR system, with a view to facilitating the infirm and others in need to enter and leave the stations?
Reply:
Madam President,
All stations of the MTR have at least one barrier free access with exit which can be used by persons with disabilities. These exits are equipped with either one or several facilities like wheelchair aids, stair lifts, passenger lifts or ramps to enable disabled passengers to access the stations independently or under the assistance of station staff. Moreover, staircases with nosing of steps in high colour contrast with adjacent surface and directional signs installed at all exits, as well as handrails provided at most of the exits, could assist passengers to access the stations. When situation requires, MTR Corporation Limited (MTRCL) would implement crowd control measures at station exits to ensure the order thereof and the safety of exit users.
Due to geographical and station structural constraints, it is technically infeasible to install lifts at all MTR stations to connect station concourse and the ground level. Nonetheless, MTRCL's objective is to provide barrier free accesses which can be used by disabled passengers independently at all MTR stations. To this end, MTRCL has invested over $400 million in the improvement of station and train facilities, including the retrofitting of ramps and stair lifts at station exits, and will further invest $100 million in the following 5 years to enable disabled persons to access the stations more conveniently.
MTRCL has all along been liaising closely with disabled groups to gauge comments on MTR service. The Corporation also incorporated additional facilities in the railway system with a view to adding convenience to disabled passengers. MTRCL will continue to strive to further improving station facilities for the benefit of those in need.
Ends/Wednesday, May 10, 2006
Issued at HKT 11:55
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