The 42-year-old wheelchair user Stefan G. had an extremely ugly experience at Mödling station (Lower Austria). The train drove him off his nose before he could get on board. Neither the passengers nor the conductor saw that the wheelchair user was only on the platform for a closed train door.
Like in a bad film, Stefan G. was in his wheelchair and looked at the train to leave his nose. But not because he was too late, but because all other passengers pushed past him. When he finally wanted to come in, the door closed and nobody made sure that he was still waiting for the platform.
There was also nothing to see from the conductor. “He should actually look that nobody is left on the platform,” said Stefan. He had to wait for the next train.
Time and time again annoyances at the train station
The Gloggnitzer, who has suffered on multiple sclerosis and has been in a wheelchair for five years, experiences such and similar annoyances. Despite his illness, he works as a music teacher in high school in Mödling and commits to school three times a week. Already at 6.15 am he climbs on the train in Gloggnitz to be in school at the loss of eight o’clock. Because delays are always to be expected for him.
“Sometimes the lift does not work, sometimes the trains change surprisingly and are not suitable for the disabled,” says Stefan just a few examples from his daily life. He often also depends on the help of strangers, who then help him on the train or bring them to the next platform. But: “The fact that people place themselves past me every time they pass me is normal,” Stefan G. has already resigned. “And also that you have a backpack on your face and are generally invisible in a wheelchair”.
Mails with which he was help for the ÖBB in the past were always with the same words as: “The needs of people limited mobility are very important for ÖBB. Of course I understand their displeasure, with regard to accessibility on our trains,”.
Öbb regrets this incident
To the question of this case, the ÖBB now replies: “Unfortunately we cannot understand the specific incident. We want to express our sincere regret about the experience at Mödling train station.
It also says: “We will of course check and process the facts internally.” And: “The ÖBB has been emphasized for many years to reduce barriers in railway traffic. We take feedback all the more seriously like this.”
Stefan G. also emphasizes that there are many useful people. “And what you learn with my illness is a delay,” concluded the wheelchair user.
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
