Frightened passengers … Residents are calling on the State Government to improve safety at Ginifer Station. 59844
By Natalie Gallenti
A GROUP of angry St Albans residents is calling on the State Government to improve safety at Ginifer Station.
Almost 200 concerned residents have signed a petition demanding better access for wheelchair-bound people on platform two after several near misses in the past year.
The petition is calling on the government to reduce the space between the platform and arriving trains.
Voluntary worker Sylvia Curmi, who cares for a number of people with a disability, said it was only a matter of time before tragedy strikes at the Sydenham line station.
Ms Curmi said that the space was too steep and in her 30 years as a carer she had often seen wheelchairs almost topple over. Even train drivers have called on an improvement at the station, she said.
“I just want to ask them if they are waiting for a tragedy to happen before they do something,” the Caroline Springs resident said.
“There have been a lot of complaints and it is time they do something. I don’t know why they haven’t done anything yet.”
Ms Curmi has been campaigning for changes at the station for many years but has never had any success. However the determined resident has vowed to continue her fight.
“I’m not going to stop until they fix the station or at least have a designated area on the platform and make it safe for people in wheelchairs and even elderly residents and parents with prams.”
Jenny Arnel, who requires a wheelchair, said she was “terrified” each time she had to get off the train and thinks it is only a matter of time before she is injured.
“Getting off the train is so frightening for me because I think I am going to fall. I’m scared I’m going to tip right over,” Ms Arnel said.
However she has no choice but to travel on the train and lives within minutes of the station.
“I need to catch the train to get around. My only other means of transport is a taxi and that’s too expensive.”
Ms Arnel said even train drivers were unable to help her disembark and have urged her to complain.
“Even when the train driver puts down the ramp it’s just too steep.
“But I can’t get on and off a bus, so I have no choice.’
The Star contacted the State Government however they did not respond by deadline.
