The CNRT Enabled Buses Even Though They Fail To Meet Accessibility Standards
<p>It happened between 2008 and 2009, and it was found the AGN’s report. It was observed that the unit has only one place for a wheelchair, when it should have two. Furthermore, there was no plan for the bus frequency. The Commission argued that it did not "inclement weather and constant demonstrations" in Buenos Aires’ traffic.</p> <p> </p>
The National Commission for Transport Regulation (CNRT, for its acronym in Spanish) "enabled plans for vehicles" to provide bus service, although "not consistent with certain aspects regulated to allow access and movement of disabled people". This was said by the General Audit Office (AGN, for its acronym in Spanish) in a report on the implementation of Law 24.314 of Integral Protection System for people with disabilities in public transport.
The AGN found enabled buses with "juxtaposition of the ischiatic supports (items for people who have difficulty getting in and out) with spaces for wheelchairs", therefore; they do not have "enough room to use it."
It also noted, among other things, that "prototypes were approved with only room for wheelchairs," although the amended Decree 467/98 of the current Act provides that there must be "at least two appropriate places."
In turn, the audit found that for the inspection of operating units, CNRT inspectors use forms that "do not include items on the specific equipment for the disabled", for example, on the operation of platforms rise and descent. Despite this observation, the full report verifies "only the points contained in the forms."
Moreover, the work of the Audit, approved this year on data from June 2008 to March 2009, explained that the Transportation Commission "does not have a schedule for frequency control, especially (on) lower floors". The CNRT alleged "inclement weather, common manifestations and cuts planned by the City Government, leading to the suspension of frequency control."
In addition, the AGN said the frequency control procedures for groups of lower floors made in 2008 were exercised in a "partial" way, and that this situation "undermines control, making it poor."
Of all the checks carried out by the Control Area in 2008, it shows that the "out of 378 procedures" where it was verified if they met the low-floor units frequencies, more than "37% did not comply."
The Efficiency of the Existing Sanctions System
The audit selected a sample of 64 cases initiated since 2005 "by deficiencies in the operation of platforms for the disabled and breach of frequencies," and found that "only 5" had been resolved.
However, from the regime of voluntary submission, the Secretary of Transportation "can generate a rebate of up to 75% of the fine in question, following recognition of it by the operator" and, thanks to several extensions, provides prior to "December 2005" offenses.
So the AGN ends by saying that "lack of diligence of the records by the CNRT, infringements are likely to be prescribed or fall into a voluntary submission, failing in order to punish blameworthy conduct that It incurred."