ࡱ> :<9g 1bjbjVV 4.r<r<1vvvvv,$&&&&&&$q ZJvJvv_mmmRvv$m$mmP(E"u0$, !L PP8 vmJJm  <: Submission to: Human Rights & Equal Opportunities Commission Re: Application for temporary exemption by Redline Buses (Tasmania) Submitted by: ParaQuad Association of Tasmania Inc Cerebral Palsy Tasmania Headway, North/West Tasmania Post Polio Network, Tasmania Dated: 11th July, 2011 Compiled by: Jenny Stanzel, AM Secretary / Treasurer ParaQuad Association of Tasmania Inc. PO Box 1528 GLENORCHY 7010 The Associations, nominated on the cover page of this submission, are requesting that no exemption be granted to Redline Buses (Tasmania) on the grounds stated by them: Low floor buses are unsuitable for city to city services Fitting lifts to the buses purchased would involve hardship on financial grounds Negotiations are proceeding for accessible new coaches to be introduced from 2012 The reasons for our objection to the Redline Buses (Tasmania) exemption request are as follows: 1. Tasmania has no railway system that transports people across Tasmania so people who are unable to use private vehicle transport are dependent on the intercity bus system. 2. Many people with disabilities are becoming more dependent on the Redline intercity bus system. At present many have to depend on availability of the Redline service which at times has not available for various reasons. 3. People with disabilities are required to make a booking, ahead of time, requesting the accessible vehicle which is not always available for intercity travel on a daily basis. 4. We do not accept that low floor buses are unsuitable for city to city services. There are many types of buses available with variable height suspension. Many low floor buses operate internationally on intercity routes and have been operational in Europe and USA for many years. 5. One of the limiting factors in preventing many people with physical disabilities from attending meetings, visiting families / friends and professional services is the lack of appropriate transport between Tasmanian cities. As many people with physical disabilities age they have to surrender their drivers licences. Many have to resort to using mobility aids, not only walking frames but also wheelchairs and / or scooters. The current lack of public transport to accommodate these people is preventing their inclusion in many activities within Tasmania. 6. Many people with disabilities have to travel from one region, of Tasmania, to a city for medical and allied health appointments on a regular basis. These people need a reliable intercity bus system that does not disadvantage them because of their disabilities. 7. We do not accept that fitting lifts to the buses purchased should allow Redline Buses to seek exemption on the grounds of hardship on financial grounds. Consideration, by Redline buses Executive, on requirements of the Act regarding the suitability of new buses and the need to comply before any purchase was undertaken by them. 8. The population of Tasmania, in 2009, was approximately 503000, people on the Disability Support Pension was 26000, carers 5500 and aged pensioners at 59000. Tasmania has a higher incidence of disability according to Bureau of Statistics compared to other Australian States. The organisations, represented in this submission, believe that if HREOC is to allow exemption to Redline Buses Tasmania under the grounds of involve hardship on financial grounds it would be discriminatory against Tasmanians who have a disability and / or are aged persons who require Redline Buses (Tasmania) for their intercity transport. We believe that Redline Buses service should comply with the Disability Standards for Accessible Public Transport requirements as they would have been aware of their responsibilities for many years. Attachment Redline Policy for People with Disabilities (Redline website 11-07-11) Disabled Passengers It shall be the customers responsibility to disclose to the company, any physical or mental condition that may hinder access to, from or while on our coach. Every passenger must be able to board, disembark and move around the coach unaided or with minimal assistance from the Coach Captain. Any passenger who cannot do these functions unaided may be required to be accompanied by a Personal Assistant/Carer for the duration of the journey. Drivers will provide minor assistance for a passenger where required, provided that in doing so they do not bear the majority of the passengers weight and do not put themselves at risk of injury. Due to safety requirements the company may require any passenger travelling with a wheelchair to be accompanied by a carer or escort at all times. We recommend that you contact the company a minimum 72 hours prior to departure, as the allocation of a wheelchair accessible coach on a specified or requested service is subject to availability. A wheelchair accessible coach on any service is not guaranteed. *ParaQuad Tas. Inc. Board members believe that the above policy is discriminatory against people with disabilities and have attached it with this submission for interest to HREOC. 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