First we had someone who wasn't allowed on a train in a wheelchair, now we have someone who couldn't get off!
http://www.whtimes.co.uk/news/disab...doors_at_welwyn_garden_city_station_1_1124340
It's quite possible FCC wasn't aware of the need to provide a ramp if it hadn't been requested, but it's surprising that the doors would close on someone trying to get off. The driver would surely have had a good clear view at WGC? And aren't some trains manually dispatched?
I am guessing it was a 365 as they will open a little and try again, and have a bit more force - although not so hard that I expect it did any actual damage to person or chair.
When a ramp is 'booked' I presume the member of staff signals to the driver as the train comes in, or does the driver get informed too? Otherwise, how do ramps normally get used without the driver just deciding to close the doors after 10-15 seconds? It's not the first time a driver has closed the doors on people as they were still trying to get off, let alone others trying to get on.
http://www.whtimes.co.uk/news/disab...doors_at_welwyn_garden_city_station_1_1124340
A DISABLED man has spoken of his fury after his wheelchair was stuck in a train doorway and repeatedly smashed into by closing doors.
Philip Burrows, of Stanborough Close, WGC, had just arrived at the town’s railway station on September 19 after returning from Shropshire, when the “serious incident” took place.
Mr Burrows said he was using train operator First Capital Connect’s assisted travel service – a claim the firm rejected – when he and wife Susan arrived at the station to find no ramp in place for his wheelchair.
A ticket inspector helped the couple and fetched a ramp as they struggled to get off the 14.16 Peterborough to King’s Cross service.
But as Mr Burrows was stuck in the doorway of the train the doors repeatedly opened and closed crashing into his chair and his wife’s hand.
It's quite possible FCC wasn't aware of the need to provide a ramp if it hadn't been requested, but it's surprising that the doors would close on someone trying to get off. The driver would surely have had a good clear view at WGC? And aren't some trains manually dispatched?
I am guessing it was a 365 as they will open a little and try again, and have a bit more force - although not so hard that I expect it did any actual damage to person or chair.
When a ramp is 'booked' I presume the member of staff signals to the driver as the train comes in, or does the driver get informed too? Otherwise, how do ramps normally get used without the driver just deciding to close the doors after 10-15 seconds? It's not the first time a driver has closed the doors on people as they were still trying to get off, let alone others trying to get on.