Perth

15 Aug 2012: 

So, I am back from my holiday – I had a wonderful time in Perth. The highlight of my trip was the exceptional public transport and the ease of moving around the streets and really nice disabled toilets to boot . I loved it!

The busses around the city are all free. When they stop to pick up a wheelchair the bus kneels down and a ramp extends out automatically before the doors open. The access is also not that steep, so if you don't have ‘Hercules muscles' you can still get yourself up into the bus. There is then a spot or two for you to park your wheelchair before the bus takes of towards your destination.

The trains were also very impressive! The trains have a lip that extends to the platform so the gap is bridged. Once you are on the train there are allocated spots to park your chair and enjoy the journey.

A few of the toilets are managed by staff so they are always clean and easy to use. Some are even fitted with hoist for those people requiring them. Wow!

I was in for a big shock when I got back to Sydney and had to catch the train home. The station attendant wanted me to wait an extra 12 minutes for a train when there was one there waiting to take me. I was furious and I refused to wait.

I think Sydney really needs to refurbish its trains so we no longer have to wait for the incompetent station staff to bring the ramp so you can board the train. Allocating spaces on the train for wheelchairs would also be mighty helpful!