Disabled groups challenge accessibility of new Swiss trains
A legal challenge by groups representing Swiss wheelchair users is likely to put a spanner in the rollout of new double-decker trains by Swiss Federal Railways. Access is not autonomous, a disabled group says.
This content was published on
2 minutes
SRF/dos
Português
pt
Deficientes criticam acessibilidade dos novos trens suíços
The news that the association Inclusion HandicapExternal link has filed a legal complaint against Swiss Federal Railways was reported on Monday by the ‘10vor10’ current affairs programme of Swiss public television, SRF.
According to its report, disabled representatives attending a demonstration of the new trains in December 2017 discovered that the ramps to get on and off the train were too steep, and wheelchair users could not access without some assistance.
This runs counter to a law in place since 2004 stipulating that disabled passengers can use public transport independently, without the help of railway staff, Inclusion Handicap says.
The legal challenge, which will be decided upon by the Federal Administrative Court in St Gallen, demands that six new trains already built be adapted, and that the changes be also applied to the 56 trains under construction.
Swiss Federal Railways are reluctant to commit to the adaptations, which could cost millions of francs, the report says.
In a written statement, the national railway operator was apologetic but reluctant to comment until the court case is decided. They were under the impression that the construction complied with existing disability laws.
The trains, designed by Bombardier, are designed to increase capacity on major routes including Zurich-Bern and Lausanne-Geneva, and should be in service for the next 40 years.
More
More
Making Swiss trains handicapped accessible proves a challenge
This content was published on
The Swiss public transport network has to become more accessible for people with disabilities, but modernisation is taking longer than expected.
Switzerland abstains from vote on Palestinian bid for full UN membership
This content was published on
On Friday, Switzerland abstained from the vote at the General Assembly on granting the Palestinians new rights at the United Nations (UN).
Protein in abdominal fat could help shape obesity treatment
This content was published on
The study analysed fat cells from different locations in the body, and found that those in the abdomen have unique properties.
North African asylum claims fall after rapid Swiss processing
This content was published on
The accelerated procedure, now out of its test phase, has resulted in a significant drop in applications from North African countries.
This content was published on
The artist's song "The Code" focuses on their journey as a nonbinary individual. It is one of the favourites to win this year's contest.
Swiss climate activists block vehicles near Gotthard tunnel
This content was published on
Around ten climate activists briefly blocked the A2 motorway near the northern entrance of the Gotthard tunnel on Thursday.
Watches belonging to Michael Schumacher up for auction
This content was published on
Schumacher's family is auctioning off eight rare watches from his collection in Geneva. The Christie's auction will take place on Monday.
Joya Marleen and Baschi named best solo acts at Swiss Music Awards
This content was published on
St. Gallen singer Joya Marleen and Baschi from Basel were named artists of the year at the Swiss Music Awards 2024 on Wednesday night.
This content was published on
The annual timetable change of the Swiss Federal Railways has run more or less smoothly – the only problems caused by the weather.
Swiss trains to experiment with lower carriage temperatures
This content was published on
In a bid to save energy and the environment, Swiss Federal Railways is experimenting with a lowering of temperatures in selected trains around Zurich.
You can find an overview of ongoing debates with our journalists here . Please join us!
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.