The outcome ………

The process of conciliation, facilitated by the Australian Human Rights Commission, to address my complaints against Great Southern Rail resulted in eight outcomes to which both GSR and I have agreed. Although a number of concerns still remain, I have decided to proceed with my plan to take the Indian Pacific journey from Sydney to Perth.

I found the conciliation procedure to be a time-consuming and arduous process. More issues relating to travelling with a disability emerged during the process. GSR’s current Fitness to Travel Policy is dated 2009. The policy states that motorised wheelchairs and scooters are not allowed on-board the train and must be transported in the luggage van, only available at journey’s end. Consequently, if my electric travel scooter must be transported in the luggage van for the duration of the journey, I cannot use it for the off-train excursions offered. This will effectively stop me from participating on the excursions I have paid for in my fare. The accessible cabin described in the Fitness to Travel Policy as the ‘Pullman’ cabin shows photographs depicting a cabin and bathroom that are superseded and completely inaccurate. Additionally, GSR states in the policy it ‘currently has a carriage modification program underway which will include modified lifting devices provided at Alice Springs, Katherine and Darwin by February 2010’. It begs the question, 5 years on, are the lifting devices now provided? If so, why isn’t this information forthcoming? If GSR is referring potential customers with mobility limitations to this policy, I believe they should ensure the policy is up-to-date and relevant.

I am grateful to have the opportunity to express my opinions and discuss and debate the issues that directly affect me, and perhaps others in similar circumstances, when dealing with GSR. I feel hopeful GSR may now be more aware of the challenges disabled people face when travelling, and this awareness may prompt policy and attitudinal changes. I have agreed to GSR’s requirement to keep one of the outcomes of the conciliation process confidential. However, some of the concessions GSR has made are, a ‘once only’ discounted fare for my travel companion; access to my travel scooter for off-train excursions; and if I’m unable to use my travel scooter on-board, to provide direct assistance to me in the movement of the push-chair during transit. I still remain extremely anxious about the possibility of not being able to use my travel scooter on-board the train. But I’m quietly confident I can persuade the train manager to allow it.

Despite on-going trepidation, it’s now time to take a deep breath, recruit a volunteer to accompany me as a travel companion, research flight, accommodation and transfer options, plan an itinerary, make bookings and reservations …. I’m starting to feel hopeful and dare I say, enthusiastic again …