Labor’s buses leave wheelchair users at kerb

Posted on November 3, 2011

Minister for Bus Timetables Chloe Fox must explain why South Australian wheelchair users are being left at the kerb when it comes to public transport.

Quadriplegic Richard Maurovic has spoken out after waiting for more than one-and-a-half hours for a bus with wheelchair access in metropolitan Adelaide.

This latest issue comes at a time when Adelaide’s public bus system is in crisis with buses running late, missing stops and failing to stay on route.

Leader of the Opposition Isobel Redmond said Ms Fox must explain publicly why wheelchair users are being treated like second rate citizens.

“The Labor Government claims to provide wheelchair accessible public transport, but it obviously does not do so in a manner which makes public transport a real option for those confined to a wheelchair.

“South Australians are already frustrated that our public transport system is not meeting their basic needs.

“Those who have special needs, such as people in wheelchairs, have a right to expect that the system will provide for them too.

“Premier Weatherill has given Ms Fox the most junior of portfolios – a clear indication that he lacks confidence in her abilities.

“While the actual transport ministry remains with Minister Conlon, Ms Fox is in charge of “transport services”, such as bus timetables.

“Yet the situation experienced by Richard Maurovic highlights the inadequacy of Ms Fox in dealing with the most basic of issues – the ability of a would-be public transport user to catch a bus.”