Fed: NSW train company changes policy on wheelchairs

AAP General News (Australia)
08-16-2006
Fed: NSW train company changes policy on wheelchairs

SYDNEY, Aug 16 AAP - Disabled passengers who use motor scooters or fixed wheelchairs
no longer have to purchase two tickets to travel on CountryLink trains in NSW.

CountryLink today said it had changed its policy, after federal West Australian MP
Michael Keenan said one of his constituents travelling on the NSW government-owned train
service was required to purchase a ticket for her ultra lightweight scooter.

A CountryLink spokesman said the passenger had been issued with a refund for one of
her tickets and the company's policy on wheelchairs and scooters had been changed.

The spokesman said customers with collapsible wheelchairs already had the option of
having their device stored while they travelled in a standard seat.

"Under the revised policy, the same option will be available to customers who use larger
or fixed wheelchairs or motor scooters that are too large for storage and need to be conveyed
in the designated wheelchair space," the spokesman said.

"Customers who elect this option will no longer be required to purchase an additional ticket."

AAP pj/klw/cdh/nf

KEYWORD: COUNTRYLINK

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