PWD Ramp at EDSA-Philam Station Goes Viral and Elicits Comments From Netizens
The viral PWD ramp at the EDSA-Philam Busway station in Quezon City has faced criticism online for being too steep for wheelchair users.
Over the past few days, the online community started talking about the ramp after photos went viral on social media. The photos showed a very steep ramp, and many wheelchair users said it was too hard and dangerous to use.
Nelson Belo, a wheelchair user from the group Life Haven, tried the ramp and said it was so steep that he felt unsafe, even with someone helping him. He said he wouldn’t use the EDSA Busway Carousel if all the stations had ramps like this one.
According to the rules, ramps for people with disabilities (PWDs) should have an incline of only 4.8 degrees. However, this ramp is inclined at 14.15 degrees, which is more than three times steeper than it should be. This makes it hard for wheelchair users to go up and down safely.
The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) explained that there are height restrictions from the Metro Rail Transit (MRT) that made it impossible to make the ramp less steep.
The agency also said that because of limited space, the ramp was the only way to connect the elevator to the footbridge.
MMDA said that even though the ramp is not perfect, it is still useful for senior citizens, pregnant women, and other PWDs who might find it easier than using stairs. They will also deploy some staff to assist those who struggle with the ramp.
“Magtatalaga ang MMDA ng mga kawani para umasiste sa mga PWDs kung mahirapan sila pumanhik ng rampa. Kumpara sa nag-viral na photo, hindi ito masyadong matarik kung lalakaran,” the MMDA said.
The agency also acknowledges the problem and is taking steps to help those who need it.
In a previous post, a kind-hearted kid saves allowance to treat young PWD in Baguio
The social media users expressed their reactions to the post:
