London Banter - View Single Post

[email protected] · April 15th 11, 03:01 PM posted to uk.transport.london

In article
,
(Neil Williams) wrote:

On Apr 15, 11:48*am, wrote:

Why not? If something is time critical using the tube is a bad idea
for anyone, wheelchair bound or not, as it simply can't be relied on.

And London's roads can? Don't be silly. Most of my rail journeys are
pretty punctual these days.

Because wheelchairs are an obstruction in confined spaces and could
potentially be highly dangerous if a fast evacuation is required in
a tunnel.

Like the people who think luggage, bicycles and standing passengers in
the way of doors are a serious safety issue, you're making the mistake
of comparing a train, an electric one at that, with an aircraft.

With an aircraft, due to the amount of fuel present, an accident very
often results in a serious and fast-burning fire. The safest option
in the event of an accident is therefore usually, subject to the
engines having stopped, to get out as quickly as possible. The rules
on operating aircraft, such as ensuring that the passengers in the
exit row are able-bodied so they will be able to open the door and not
get in the way, and ensuring that luggage may not be placed in the way
of said doors, are based on this.

With a train there is far less fuel (none in the case of an electric
train) and the bodyshell is generally more substantial, with proper
glass double-glazed windows rather than plastic ones, so any fire that
occurs outside is likely to stay outside for some time, and any
influence inside (even explosives) are unlikely to cause a serious
fire. Also, in the immediate aftermath of a problem, there are likely
to be trains moving on lines adjacent to the train concerned.

Therefore, one of the most dangerous things to do in the event of a
rail accident is to evacuate quickly[1]. You are better to remain on
board while the situation is assessed, moving to another carriage if
necessary. You'll note that all the safety posters in trains say
this, as distinct from the ones in aircraft that basically say "get
out"[2] and explain how.

By the time it has been decided to evacuate, therefore, any bicycles
or luggage could be thrown out of the doors if in the way, and there
will be plenty of time for a wheelchair passenger to be got out.

[1] There was the case of the runaway engineer's train a while ago
where this *might* have been an exception for those in the rear couple
of coaches. But this - and more important knowing this - is so rare
it's almost not worth considering.

[2] This has caused problems in the event of ditchings, where people
have panicked, opened exit doors and the water has come in. But
overall, as ditchings are fairly rare (just as serious fires on trains
are), this is still the best advice.

And who is going to carry you out? Would you rely on the goodwill of
other passengers?

People tend to help people in the event of disasters, yes.

Aside from that most tube stations arn't wheelchair accessable
and spending a billion on making them so for the tiny minority of
people who'd take advantage of it is a waste of public money.

I thought we were talking about mainline or LO railway stations, which
are mainly accessible and are far cheaper to make so. FWIW, to make
the District/Circle/H&C/Met line stations accessible is quite easy -
mostly it just requires adding short lifts. The deep Tube is harder
(except new build like the Jubilee Line). Though I don't recall
seeing wheelchair spaces on deep Tube trains (the standbacks on the
Picc are for luggage for Heathrow passengers!), but if there are they
will otherwise provide room to stand, not wasted space.

I'm evacuated from a train with my bicycle. Wires down near Welwyn GC
station. The only complication was getting the bike down the ladder, for
which I received assistance from staff or fellow passengers.

--
Colin Rosenstiel