A SkyTrain rider who uses a wheelchair says TransLink's temporary fix for disabled users isn't working for everyone.

Earlier this week, TransLink officially closed all of its fare gates, including the wider gates for people with disabilities. Before Monday, the wider gates had been left open unless an attendant was on hand to tap the Compass cards for riders unable to tap in themselves.

Now, users who need assistance must either call SkyTrain stations in advance to advise employees that they will need help on arrival, or summon an attendant who is already inside the station. TransLink has said previously that the closed accessible fare gates are a way to cut down on fare evasion.

The system is a temporary fix until new sensors are installed at the end of next year. The sensors will allow riders with physical disabilities to pay their fare and open the gate without tapping their card on the scanner.

But a transit rider told CTV News that TransLink's plan isn't working for everyone.

Luke Galvani spoke to CTV on Friday after being locked out of a fare gate, stuck waiting for someone to come to his aid. Galvani, like many others, uses a wheelchair and has a limited range of motion.

"I'm unable to tap in to the station, let alone to make a phone call," he said.

Galvani said he's met with the Access Transit Users' Advisory Committee in the past, and explained to them that "this solution isn't a solution," because many aren't able to call the stations beforehand. And often, they're unable to find an attendant to tap their card to the scanner on the gate for them.

"To me, it's overt discrimination on the part of TransLink, shutting the gates on people with disabilities and expecting them to literally jump through hoops and other humiliating tasks just to access the transit system," he said.

Galvani added that many residents in Metro Vancouver are struggling to use transit -- likely more than TransLink is aware of. He said he'd been told that between 15 and 50 people with disabilities need access to the transit system, but he doesn't believe that the number is accurate.

He said there are probably many more who would like to use transit, but have given up and are avoiding it because it's so difficult for them.

In a statement, TransLink told CTV that it is aware of Galvani's concerns, and sympathizes with him. The company reiterated that the current system is only temporary, and that it is keen to work with him to find another solution if necessary.

TransLink said users can also apply for an assistive device, which can help tap cards at fare gates, or use the HandyDART or HandyCard systems.

"We want to ensure all our customers who were able to travel independently before installation of the fare gates continue to be able to travel independently," TransLink's Chris Bryan said in the statement.

Since the gates have been closed, the company has been called 14 times, and in every case an attendant has arrived on scene in less than 10 minutes, TransLink said. There were an additional three customers who showed up at gates and requested assistance, and were helped in less than 10 minutes as well.

Galvani said he feels "belittled" when he tries to take transit, and that TransLink doesn't seem to be concerned.

"It's great that they have a solution that is 18 months down the road... but to me, until that solution is implemented, a gate needs to stay open," he said.

"And fare evasion isn't an excuse to lock an entire community out."

 

With files from CTV Vancouver's Penny Daflos