Africa-Press – Mauritius. The Metro Express Ltd (MEL) organised, today, at the Richelieu Depot, an introductory awareness and familiarisation session to educate members of the Blind and Visually Impaired Association (BAVIA) on how to use the Metro Express Ltd services.
The Minister of Land Transport and Light Rail, Mr Alan Ganoo; the Chief Executive Officer of MEL, Dr Das Mootanah; and representatives of the Ministry of Social Integration, Social Security and National Solidarity; were also present.
A presentation was held on the different facilities and amenities which cater for the visually and physically impaired. The various accessibility features and services onboard the Metro Express and on the platform were communicated to members of the BAVIA.
They are: the sound for arriving and departing train, bell, push button with braille, door opening and closing to alert passengers, 10 priority seats in the Light Rail Vehicle (LRV), intercom at each doorway to communicate with the Train captain in case of emergency, and announcements on the LRV.
In a statement, Minister Ganoo said that the interactive session aims to sensitise the visually and physically impaired on the different accessibility facilities available onboard the LRV.
He lauded the MEL for this innovative project which aims to facilitate access to the different components of the population. These incentives and state-of-the-art innovative features that MEL is offering to all citizens are those that are being offered by advanced nations as well, he said.
He also underlined that this project of MEL is in line with Government’s vision of promoting inclusiveness, justice, equity and fairness. He recalled that the stations are designed to be 100% inclusive adding that MEL has taken the mobility needs of people with disabilities into account in its transport policy.
All the stations are equipped with tactile pavement to ensure access to various areas of stations such as platforms, ticket office, boarding points, and staircase. The stations are also equipped with facilities such as ramps, lifts, escalators and way findings to facilitate travel, he indicated.
For his part, Dr Das Mootanah underpinned that the Metro Express is a modern and innovative mode of transport which, above all, advocates the absolute inclusion of people with disabilities, whether they are blind or have other disabilities.
‘The very concept of this project and the system we have put in place takes into consideration all the components of our diverse society,’ he stated.
He further indicated the MEL trained personnel is always available at major stations to attend to the different needs and requirements of people with disability pre-travel, at stations, on board LRVs and post travel.
Furthermore, Dr Mootanah highlighted that the UNESCO has given approval for the extension of the Metro Express near the Aapravasi Ghat. He underlined that surveys will be carried out first, followed by the design and tests before the construction of the line.
He also added that the Metro Express will be extended to the north, south and east of Mauritius. This will bring a lot of physical and social development in the regions, he said.
Also present, the Assistant Secretary of the BAVIA, Mr Roobensing Baboolall rejoiced that the Metro Express is fitted with innovative features that provide equitable access for all people, no matter their circumstances.
According to him, the Metro Express is a safe and secure mode of transport which can be used by the visually and physically impaired. A special trip was also organised from the Depot to Coromandel Station, whereby an on-field familiarisation of the station’s amenities took place, followed by a complimentary trip to Beau Bassin Station. Brochures in braille in English and French on the safety and security aspects to be adopted on the Metro Express were also distributed.
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