Rapid Mobility a step in the right direction

A STEP in the right direction, but still just a temporary solution.

Even as disabled rights groups applaud the soon-tobe introduced Rapid Mobility service, some groups have


called for a fully accessible bus system for the disabled in the future.

Beautiful Gate Foundation for the Disabled executive director Sia Siew Chin told The Malay Mail the Rapid Mobility Service, while a good move, cannot replace a total, accessible bus service in the long run.

“The door-to-door van service is a temporary way of fulfilling the needs of disabled people but a barrier-free and
disabled-friendly transport system, such as the advent of low floor buses, would be the ultimate solution.”

Even so, she said the Rapid Mobility service would certainly bring convenience to the disabled in their daily activities. She said places such as Brickfields, USJ and Subang,where trials for the service were being conducted, would benefit from the service as there were many disabled people living there.

This was reiterated by Damai Disabled Persons Association of Selangor and Federal Territory president V. Murugeswaran.

He stated the service was a good move and indeed pleasant news for the wheelchair community as without
mobility, the disabled would be stranded at home.

“Drivers must be trained to handle disabled passengers,” he said, adding that the local authorities should also play their role by providing universal design bus stops that cater to the needs of the disabled community.

“We have a long way to catch up but I am happy things are changing compared with five years ago.

"We’re not there yet, rather, we’re in this initial stage. The implementation is slow but we are progressing.”

Association of Women with Disabilities Malaysia president Bathmavathi Krishnan said: “The mobility service
will be a vital link from our doorstep to a point where we can board the bus and also connect us from our doorstep to a destination.”

She said Rapid Mobility was a good service and would be more effective than stage buses.

“Comparatively, vans are more practical for wheelchair users as it will link the community to a seamless transport service."

"Yet, wheelchair users were still waiting for disabledfriendly bus services to become more accessible to the community. This would enable them to become a part of this seamless transport service, enabling them to go

about their daily lives like everyone else."