Fukuoka Citymight not be the first place that springs to mind when you thhink of public transportation systems. Apparentlty it was for Kuwait's ambassador to Japan, Ghassan Al-Zawawi.
“This subway line is showcases state-of-the-art technologies and facilities that ensure full accessibility for everyone, including disabled people, the elderly, pregnant women and children,” said Dr. Masaru Sato, a professor at Kyushu University, who presided over the Design Committee’s meetings for the subway.
All stations are equipped with elevators with easy passage, ticketing machines at low height, double handrails, guide maps with audio response system and Braille tiles. There are spacious toilets tailored for wheelchair users, seriously handicapped persons and mother with infants. “With the world’s most advanced technologies and systems that this subway has provided, disabled and senior citizens can travel in a relaxed and comfortable way,” Dr. Sato told Al-Zawawi.
The Kuwaiti ambassador was also amazed to find that a gap between the train floor and loading platform heights was kept to a minimum, which enables wheelchair users to enter or get out of the train on their own without the wheels of the wheelchair falling into the gap. “This subway is a good example of merging art and technology,” Al-Zawawi praised the use of a universal design that makes the transport system as convenient as possible for all people.
Source:
http://www.arabtimesonline.com/arabtimes/kuwait/Viewdet.asp?ID=8208&cat=a
Posted by rollingrains at June 13, 2006 12:47 AM