This is a wonderful video on how to get more people to take the stairs. A GREAT initiative… unless you’re the one stuck at the bottom (or top) of the stairs with a wheelchair or stroller. And that is what happened to me today!
Our eco challenge today started out great… a walk along the canal, a stop at Au Pain Doré for coffee and muffins, and then onto the Lionel Groulx metro. I had walked past the metro station many times this past summer, so I knew that new elevators had been installed and that it would be stroller friendly.
The metro ride was great –not crowded, no waiting, and before we knew it we had arrived at Viau station. We exited… and then I looked up and saw the stairs. No escalator. No elevator. I couldn’t believe it!! This is the metro stop in the center of the Olympic Park! The Biodome stop!! Thankfully I had reinforcement with me and we were able to carry the stroller up the stairs –but what if I didn’t? What a way to put a damper on our great outing.
I can’t tell you how disappointed I was. This was my first metro ride in Montreal in 14 years, since first moving here. And even though I don’t typically take the Montreal Metro, I do make extensive use of subway systems throughout the world when I travel. I was enjoying my ride, reminiscing about how my grandmother used to take me everywhere by bus when I was a toddler, and I was hoping that my mom would take Nicolas back to the Biodome on the metro when she visits later this year. Unfortunately it won’t be until he is older and doesn’t require a stroller.
So, while the metro experience was generally quite positive, it really isn’t an initiative that I will be able to stick with on a regular basis in the near term, especially since I don’t need it for a daily commute. I guess there is always the bus –but, it just isn’t the same as the subway.
I’m very glad to see your post! I think that someone need to change that situation, for mom with kids, for the older ones and people with wheelchair… how can it be that in 2011 there isn’t a solution yet?
I think that it is a discrimination! wake up!!