MagiMike
01-27-2004, 12:50 PM
Yesterday, on my way to some of Houston's pre-superbowl parties, I got up enough nerve to try taking my [8] Segway on the new light rail system which just opened up at the first of this year. There was no need at all to be anxious. I was not hassled by anyone while there. Only the typical questions and comments by everyone, visitors and metro employees alike. Nothing negative.
Either because they have only recently opened or because of the Superbowl there were Metro Rail "Customer Response Team " members and Metro Police in considerable numbers at every station. Several rushed toward me as I arrived. After timidly asking if I was allowed they assured me there were no problems but could they please ask a few questions about the [8]. Every station has wheelchair access ramps. The station platforms are at the exact height of the car floor and the gap between the train car floor and the platform is on 1-2 inches. The segway rolled on smoothly without any noticeable bump.
The entrances at the front and back doors of each train have an bench seat which folds up to make room for wheelchairs (or Segways)
and allows room for other passengers to get around you when loading or unloading. :D All in all very easy to use, friendly and even fun. The cost is $1 for a one way trip or $2 for a 24 hour pass which allows you to get on and off as often as you please. I found it amazing in a big city but there is noone checking tickets, no turn style or entrance way that requires a ticket, its all sort of on an honor system. ( they did say that at times metro police might get on and check tickets but no one ever did)
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Mike in Houston TX.
It is better to know some of the questions than all of the answers. - James Thurber
Either because they have only recently opened or because of the Superbowl there were Metro Rail "Customer Response Team " members and Metro Police in considerable numbers at every station. Several rushed toward me as I arrived. After timidly asking if I was allowed they assured me there were no problems but could they please ask a few questions about the [8]. Every station has wheelchair access ramps. The station platforms are at the exact height of the car floor and the gap between the train car floor and the platform is on 1-2 inches. The segway rolled on smoothly without any noticeable bump.
The entrances at the front and back doors of each train have an bench seat which folds up to make room for wheelchairs (or Segways)
and allows room for other passengers to get around you when loading or unloading. :D All in all very easy to use, friendly and even fun. The cost is $1 for a one way trip or $2 for a 24 hour pass which allows you to get on and off as often as you please. I found it amazing in a big city but there is noone checking tickets, no turn style or entrance way that requires a ticket, its all sort of on an honor system. ( they did say that at times metro police might get on and check tickets but no one ever did)
[^]
Mike in Houston TX.
It is better to know some of the questions than all of the answers. - James Thurber