FAECARE Foundation has called on the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) to prioritize persons with disabilities (PWDs) in road transportation.
The foundation made the appeal during an advocacy visit to the NURTW Rivers State Chapter. Present at the meeting were the Rivers State Chairman and various Motor Park Leaders, aiming to promote accessibility in road transportation for persons with disabilities, raise awareness, and advance their rights.
During the meeting, the program officer highlighted some of the barriers faced by persons with disabilities, such as negative attitudes from public transport drivers, drivers’ impatience when it comes to picking up and assisting passengers with disabilities, and misconceptions that persons with disabilities are beggars who won’t pay their fares. Exploitation was also addressed, particularly the issue of visually impaired individuals being unable to verify their change, and instances where drivers outrightly refuse to transport passengers with disabilities.
To promote accessibility, the foundation urged transport service providers to refrain from discriminating against persons with disabilities (PWDs).
The foundation also recommended that all moving vehicles come to a complete stop at bus stops, giving priority to PWDs. It suggested that unions provide clear guidelines on how to assist passengers with disabilities and conduct awareness campaigns in parks.
“Drivers and conductors should demonstrate patience when assisting PWDs in boarding vehicles. They should improve their attitudes and interactions with PWDs, and drivers must protect passengers from abuse,” the foundation emphasized.
Additionally, the foundation stressed the importance of assisting PWDs in carrying their assistive devices and luggage when boarding.
“Accessible transportation is essential for enabling persons with disabilities to move independently and participate fully in daily activities,” the foundation stated.
In response, the Chairman of NURTW, Comrade Tom-George Boma, committed to raising awareness and tasked park leaders present at the meeting with sharing the message in their respective parks. He cautioned against any form of discrimination against passengers with disabilities.
Concluding his remarks, he granted approval for any further awareness campaigns the foundation wished to conduct in parks across Port Harcourt and its environs, and instructed park leaders to cooperate with the foundation.
This visit marks a significant milestone in raising awareness and advocating for accessible transportation in Rivers State. Through this effort, barriers to transportation for persons with disabilities are expected to improve significantly across the state.