Amnuay Nimmano carried on by saying he had ordered the relevant officials to deal with the causes of the delays and expedite the installation schedule. At present, there are only a few operational lifts for disabled people to use on the two lines of the Skytrain system.
Earlier this week, governor Aswin Kwanmuang set a deadline of 28 February for lifts at Ratchadamri, Phrom Phong, Thong Lo and On Nut to be up and running. The lift installations at Skytrain stations were originally scheduled to be completed by January 2016.
The installations have become an urgent matter for the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) as a group of disabled people launched a class action law suit last Friday. The suit claims the BMA is discriminating against disabled people by not offering them access to the Skytrain system.
The two Skytrain lines link Morchit, Siam Square, the National Stadium, Ekkamai Bus Station and other key locations in Bangkok. 12GO ASIA says that as Skytrains are air-conditioned and do not get stuck in the city’s notorious traffic jams they provide the most comfortable option for getting out and about.
Bangkok sets deadline for installation of lifts at BTS Skytrain stations
News in Asia
City authorities in Bangkok say all BTS Skytrain stations will offer lift access before the end of 2017. The Thai capital’s deputy-governor told reporters the installation of lifts at the 23 Skytrain stations had been delayed by construction issues and having to relocate facilities at their sites.