Here is the story from Kylie Stevens from the St Marys-Mount Druitt Star 11/7/2011:
RailCorp announced last Monday that a $2 million upgrade to replace ageing hydraulic lifts on each side to the concourse would start two days later — a project not even Mulgoa MP Tanya Davies knew about.
Commuters welcome the move as lifts have broken down 204 times since 2009.
But the elderly, wheelchair-bound and parents with prams are not impressed at being inconvenienced for the next six months.
The lift on the Queen Street side will be out of action until October 7.
For those unable to use the steep stairs Rail Corp suggests they catch the 759 Westbus service, which runs at 30- or 60-minute intervals, then get off near the corner of Forrester Road and Glossop Street.
RailCorp describes the 600 metres to the station as "a short walk", but it takes 10 minutes for regular public transport user Patricia Guy.
The North St Marys resident can't understand why a temporary ramp couldn't be installed on the Queen Street shopping side.
But a Rail Corp spokesman said a ramp was not possible.
"A ramp complying with Easy Access requirements would need to be zigzag and be 100 metres long," he said.
"Building a temporary ramp is not cost effective and would affect customers."
Partially blind St Marys resident Betty Murray described RailCorp's stance as ridiculous.
"They should ask themselves how would they feel if they were in a wheelchair and couldn't get to the station," she said.
While mums such as Kristy Filewood can struggle up the stairs with a pram, commuters who are wheelchair-bound or have motorised scooters will be stranded.
The St Marys mum is not looking forward to three months of coaxing 18-month-old Hayley up the stairs or carrying her up in the pram.
She said the lift is out of order "far too often".
"It's working for a week out of every month," Mrs Filewood said.
"Fixing the problem it is a good wish but I don't see it happening.
"Mt Druitt Transport's John Svoboda said bureaucrats should consult the community before making decisions that affect commuters.
The first that Mulgoa MP Mrs Davies knew about the upgrade was when she saw the scaffolding barricading the lift last week.
Under the impression the bus would take commuters directly to the other side of the station, she was shocked when told otherwise.
"I wasn't advised of this work and will be following it up with the minister as a matter of urgency," she said.
Mr Svoboda had heard maxi taxis were available for less able-bodied commuters to take them to the other side.
But the only solution the Star could get from RailCorp was for commuters to phone the station on 9851 7514 to make other arrangements.
What do you think of RailCorp's decision? Comment online, join our Facebook page or follow us on Twitter @stmarysstar.
Inconvenienced: Patricia Guy and Kristy Filewood (with daughter Hayley) are among the many commuters not happy with RailCorp. Pictures: Kieren Tilly
Stranded at station
11 Jul, 2011 12:00 AM
AN UPGRADE to the lifts at St Marys station has prompted calls for better consultation with the community.
RailCorp announced last Monday that a $2 million upgrade to replace ageing hydraulic lifts on each side to the concourse would start two days later — a project not even Mulgoa MP Tanya Davies knew about.
Commuters welcome the move as lifts have broken down 204 times since 2009.
But the elderly, wheelchair-bound and parents with prams are not impressed at being inconvenienced for the next six months.
The lift on the Queen Street side will be out of action until October 7.
For those unable to use the steep stairs Rail Corp suggests they catch the 759 Westbus service, which runs at 30- or 60-minute intervals, then get off near the corner of Forrester Road and Glossop Street.
RailCorp describes the 600 metres to the station as "a short walk", but it takes 10 minutes for regular public transport user Patricia Guy.
The North St Marys resident can't understand why a temporary ramp couldn't be installed on the Queen Street shopping side.
But a Rail Corp spokesman said a ramp was not possible.
"A ramp complying with Easy Access requirements would need to be zigzag and be 100 metres long," he said.
"Building a temporary ramp is not cost effective and would affect customers."
Partially blind St Marys resident Betty Murray described RailCorp's stance as ridiculous.
"They should ask themselves how would they feel if they were in a wheelchair and couldn't get to the station," she said.
While mums such as Kristy Filewood can struggle up the stairs with a pram, commuters who are wheelchair-bound or have motorised scooters will be stranded.
The St Marys mum is not looking forward to three months of coaxing 18-month-old Hayley up the stairs or carrying her up in the pram.
She said the lift is out of order "far too often".
"It's working for a week out of every month," Mrs Filewood said.
"Fixing the problem it is a good wish but I don't see it happening.
"Mt Druitt Transport's John Svoboda said bureaucrats should consult the community before making decisions that affect commuters.
The first that Mulgoa MP Mrs Davies knew about the upgrade was when she saw the scaffolding barricading the lift last week.
Under the impression the bus would take commuters directly to the other side of the station, she was shocked when told otherwise.
"I wasn't advised of this work and will be following it up with the minister as a matter of urgency," she said.
Mr Svoboda had heard maxi taxis were available for less able-bodied commuters to take them to the other side.
But the only solution the Star could get from RailCorp was for commuters to phone the station on 9851 7514 to make other arrangements.
What do you think of RailCorp's decision? Comment online, join our Facebook page or follow us on Twitter @stmarysstar.
Inconvenienced: Patricia Guy and Kristy Filewood (with daughter Hayley) are among the many commuters not happy with RailCorp. Pictures: Kieren Tilly
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