Man receives apology for train ordeal

By REBECCA WALSH

Muscular dystrophy sufferer Tim Dempsey has received an "unreserved" apology from Tranz Metro after he was forced to crawl on to an Auckland train on his hands and knees.

Mr Dempsey, who met Tranz Metro general manager Paul Ashton yesterday, said the company had also made a commitment to provide more training for staff in dealing with customers with disabilities.

The decision comes after a train manager refused to provide a ramp for Mr Dempsey, 33, at a West Auckland station because he was not in a wheelchair and the train was running late.

Mr Dempsey, fundraising manager for the Muscular Dystrophy Association, dropped to his knees to get on to the crowded carriage at Sturges Rd station in Henderson.

Yesterday he said he was pleased with the outcome of the meeting. He had received a personal apology through Mr Ashton from the train manager.

"He said it was totally unacceptable and basically the train manager had made a bad call on that day."

Mr Dempsey said the pair had agreed that within the next four weeks a meeting would be held to discuss training for staff. He would consult other disability organisations for their views.

Asked if he was confident no one else would have to go through a similar ordeal, Mr Dempsey said he would be more confident after training had been put in place.

"It doesn't end here for me. I haven't just raised this issue to walk away from it. I will be following it through."

Tranz Metro general manager Paul Ashton said he had given Mr Dempsey an "unreserved" apology as a result of his investigation.

He would not comment on whether disciplinary action would be taken against the train manager.

Mr Ashton said that in the past training had been given to staff who worked with people with disabilities but little had happened in "recent times". All on-train staff who had direct contact with customers would take part in training.

In July the Human Rights Commission will begin public hearings in an inquiry into the accessibility of public land transport.