We all have a routine that prepares us to conquer the day. We need our morning coffee, maybe, or to find the right playlist for our commute. If you take public transportation, getting the bus can be half the battle. For most, anxiety eases when you make it to the bus stop in time, but for some riders another potential hurdle looms. A SEPTA bus accommodates 49 ambulatory riders. When a stop is blocked by cars or delivery trucks, these passengers are typically able to board the bus in the street. This is not possible, though, for wheelchair users, who need the curb to stabilize ramp entry. A Philadelphia Parking Authority (PPA) enforcement initiative may deter drivers from blocking bus stops — and thus help disabled passengers board safely.
As a power wheelchair user and a public transit rider, I know the potential risks when boarding. All SEPTA buses are equipped with ramps. When one of these ramps is deployed on a sidewalk, it lays flat for easy wheelchair entry. If it is deployed in the street, however, the ramp slants steeply, making wheelchairs more prone to tipping. The risk of a user falling is further increased if a chair has durable medical equipment — like a walker or an oxygen tank — on the back, because of the added weight. If one bus cannot deploy its ramp safely, a would-be rider must wait for the next bus, which could be met with the same obstruction from cars or delivery vehicles. This can cause riders to be late for appointments and other activities.
On May 7, the PPA began using AI-assisted cameras mounted on SEPTA buses to issue tickets to vehicles parked in bus lanes or in front of bus stops. The cameras identify vehicles parked in areas restricted to buses, photograph violators and send this documentation to PPA for review. The aim is not to punish drivers but to ensure that all public transit riders can get to their destinations safely, allowing them to explore and engage with their community.
Liberty Resources Inc. has been working toward civil rights for the disability community since 1980. libertyresources.org
