Monica Bartley describes wheelchair safety problems on NYC Ferry
Bartley says wheelchair spaces are occupied by sightseers and there is no four-point securement; brakes are insufficient; she urges clear spaces, staff training, secure ramps, and City Island ferry service.
Good afternoon, chairs.
My name is Monica Bartley and
My name is Monica Bartley, and I'm a member of Disabled in Action.
I want to express my serious concerns about wheelchair safety on New York City Ferry and urge the city to take action.
On a recent trip to Governor's Island, I couldn't access the designated wheelchair space because parents and children were occupying it to sightsee.
I was left in the middle of the ferry, worried that my wheelchair would move if the boat suddenly rocked or jolted.
At times, I've had to position my chair behind a seat just so I could hold on for safety.
No wheelchair user should have to travel in fare.
I urge NYC Ferry to install four-point wheelchair securement on all ferries as required by Local Law 68 of 2005.
Ferries naturally roll and sway, and wheelchair brakes alone are not enough to keep a chair in place.
Without proper securement, wheelchairs can slide, tip, or break loose, putting wheelchair users and other passengers at risk of serious injury.
Four-point securement provides greater safety and backup if one of the attachments fails.
NYC Ferry must also keep designated wheelchair spaces clear of tables, strollers, and other obstructions.
Deck staff should ensure these spaces remain accessible during boarding and throughout the trip.
Staff must also be trained to proactively offer assistance, guide wheelchair users to the securement area, and help secure their chairs.
Finally, all securement equipment must be regularly inspected and promptly repaired or replaced when it is
corroded, stuck, or not working properly.
Some, finally, some ferry docking ramps also raise safety concerns.
At certain terminals, passengers who use wheelchairs have experienced ramps rocking and swaying during boarding.
These ramps must be secured more firmly to reduce
reduce the risk to passengers.
And finally, my third panel, support extending the ferry service to City Island, a place I frequently visit.
Thank you very much.