VIRAL STEEP WHEELCHAIR RAMP AT EDSA BUSWAY, STANDARD NOT FOLLOWED
Netizens deemed the PWD ramp for being too steep for the users at the EDSA busway (Photo courtesy of ABS-CBN News)
The steep ramp on the EDSA busway at the PhilAm Quezon City station is viral and received criticism from social media users. According to the Department of Transportation (DOTr) the proper size of the ramp was not followed.
Five footbridges on the EDSA busway was newly constructed, the ramp is designed for PWDs to facilitate access to and from the lower platform where buses are boarded. But for some PWD groups, it was said that the viral wheelchair ramp is not suitable for them.
The DOTr, which is a partner of the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) in the construction of the footbridge, admitted that the built ramp is steep. Based on the National Building Code, the ramp should be 12 inches long for every 1 inch of height.
It was said that this was not followed at the PhilAm QC station. The DOTr is said to have seen it a week before the inauguration of the footbridge. Only the PhilAm QC station was found to have a problem out of the five newly constructed footbridges on the EDSA busway.
According to an architect that helped implementing rules and regulations of Batas Pambansa No. 344 or the Accessibility Law said “the PWD ramp was ten degrees steeper than the standard.”
Batas Pambansa 344 states that PWD ramps must be inclined at a 4.8 degree angle but the one in PhilAm station was inclined at 14.15 degree.
The MMDA response on the viral issue, “We want to convey that there is a height restriction imposed by the MRT which prevented the elevator from being aligned with the footbridge. This is not a perfect design especially for wheelchair users, but it still greatly benefits senior citizens, pregnant women, and other PWDs by providing an alternative to climbing stairs.
For the meantime, the authorities will first install a rubber mat on the access ramp to prevent from slipping.
Source: GMA Integrated News
Be part of ImHenyo community!
Get featured by sharing your stories, news, and comments
Email us at [email protected]
Comments