Algarve Left Bloc MP João Vasconcelos has demanded answers from the Ministry of Planning and Infrastructure as to why disabled railway users in the Algarve are left high and dry.
Vasconcelos asked the ministry about the lack of resources and equipment for people with reduced mobility who try and use stations on the Algarve’s decrepit railway line.
"Which are the stations and stops on the Algarve railway line that do not have access ramps or boarding platforms to help people with reduced mobility and what measures will the government take in order to address this serious flaw?" asked Vasconcelos.
The Algarve MP gave the example of a school group from Lagos which used the train to visit the A Rocha eco-organisation near Alvor.
The nearest station is Mexilhoeira Grande, Vaconcelos explained:
"One of the students uses a wheelchair as he has reduced mobility. It was very difficult and dangerous to get on and off the train because neither Lagos station nor the Mexilhoeira Grande station has access ramps for people with reduced mobility,"
Vasconcelos was contacted by the teacher accompanying the students and said that "there is still much to do for people with reduced mobility, with respect to the availability of equipment for these citizens on public transport."
“As platforms and carriages do not have adequate areas for people in wheelchairs, this means of transport is prohibitive for these citizens,” said the Left Bloc MP who has asked what the government intends to do about the carriages and stations in the Algarve.
