Bad Policy, No Bones About It

MARK “Bones” Curtis is a fiercely independent bloke who has run up against a public transport policy that is making living with a disability more difficult.

The train service has a policy that people with disabilities must travel in carriage D or F, depending on the train service, where they have designated areas for wheelchairs.

The gradient in the platform at Scone station

However, at the Scone railway station the platform has two distinctly different levels, the far end of the platform is higher and level with the train, at the bottom end the platform it is much lower and ramps need to be used.

Bones waited patiently for his train at the higher end of the platform which is accessible for him, but when the train arrived the staff insisted he travel in carriage F, which is on the lower end of the platform.

Bones, who communicates by using a keyboard had difficulty explaining the issue to staff and inevitably had to try and use the ramp, which was too steep to be safe.

The staff then allowed him to go back to the higher level of the platform to board the train and he travelled to Sydney in the baggage area.

Bones said he is frustrated and annoyed by the bureaucracy.

“I was waiting at the right spot, where the platform is at a level where I can safely board,” said Bones.

“I tried to get up the ramp, but it was too steep and then we had to go back to the spot I usually wait at anyway,” he said.

“I don’t know how long it all took, I wasn’t happy, especially when I know how it works at this station.

“They don’t know how it works and someone needs a wake-up call.

“I tried to make it easy for them and they have made it harder for me.

“They might have their policy, but I’ve got a policy too and mine works,” Bones said.

Mark “Bones” Curits at Scone railway station, where the platform has two different levels

Bones said he understands the policy that all people in wheelchairs should board on a certain carriage, but then all platforms should be one level.

It is not the first time Bones has had difficulties with the train network and as a person with a disability the obstacles they present frustrate him.

“We are all human beings,” said Bones.

“I once caught the XPT and they asked me where’s my carer, I was so angry at how rude that was of them.

“I used to be part of a Transport Committee so I raised it there and they acted on it for me.

“But they cut the committee just before Christmas, we were told it was because of staff cuts,” Bones said.

Bones who is most mobile on a scooter is unable to take the scooter on the train and must use power chair to travel on the train.

He said on the train service he uses there is room for the scooter, which would make his overnight visits to Newcastle and Sydney much easier.

Again, he said it is a transport policy that makes life that much harder.

Bones has been told by the train service he must continue to book onto carriage D or F.