As buses and trains become accessible to more riders, we may need to revisit our transit etiquette. New elevators, ramps and redesigned bus and train layouts mean a greater number of people with reduced agility can get around the city on transit.

 Sometimes this requires extra patience on the part of those who have never experienced difficulty walking or using stairs. This includes waiting while riders are safely seated or putting up with the less-than-ideal seating configuration on low-floor vehicles.

 Parking lots, whether next to train stations or your favourite store, ought to be part of the etiquette effort. GO Transit has been trying to raise awareness of a particular problem in its busy lots -- people sneaking into spaces for disabled riders.

 We all know that parking is in high demand at most GO and TTC stations. Rather than drive all the way downtown, customers who can’t find a legal spot sometimes make their own -- parking in areas clearly marked off limits.

 Anyone who leaves their car outside of a regular parking stall risks a ticket, and the fine for improperly occupying a space for disabled patrons is $300. Despite that disincentive, it seems some folks can’t resist taking these larger spaces, even though they do not have the proper permit.

 The pavement markings and signs are clear, but some less-than-thoughtful drivers put their convenience ahead of someone who requires extra space around their vehicle, or needs to be close to the station.

 What can the rest of us do to help, should we see someone taking an accessible parking spot without a permit? I’d like to hear your suggestions, because this can be a tricky situation.

 Another scenario requiring care is the use of elevators in GO and TTC stations. Suppose you see people boarding a lift without leaving enough room for someone using a wheelchair or scooter? Do you say something or hold your tongue?

 One reader wrote me after being chastised by another person for using an elevator without “appearing” disabled. She wrote that, “I have problems walking down the stairs, and walking up is even more difficult -- so whenever possible I take an elevator or escalator. I am almost always the first person to look around and realize that there is a person in a wheelchair, or with a cane or someone with a baby carriage -- and tell everyone ‘encircling’ the elevator doors to please move and let this person on first.” Nonetheless, the reader was criticized.

 People prone to spinal or other pain can also benefit from using accessible transit infrastructure, but may not ride in a scooter or be “obviously” disabled. Beyond advertising campaigns, is there a more personal, direct way for individuals to persuade other riders to be more considerate?

 Obviously it helps to deal with each situation as it occurs, and not preach to someone out of irritation. A knee-jerk response can make it difficult to see what is not obvious -- such as reduced agility.

 

 Curious which TTC routes and stations are now accessible? See the new map at www.ttc.ca, under Accessible Service. You can view the PDF file directly via http://www.toronto.ca/ttc/pdf/accessmap0602.pdf   -- at the bottom of the page.

© Ed Drass 2008