Dimitris Antoniou, who is confined to a wheelchair, in his post about the damage to the subway train in Thessaloniki, shows the difficulty that a person with mobility problems would face if he were in this specific incident.
With the job, Mr Dimitris Antoniouwriter and activist, confined to a wheelchair after a car accident, it highlights the lack of accessibility and safety for peopel with mobility problems in metro Thessaloniki.
It caused the train to stop, where passengers were forced to evacuate and walk through the tunnel, asking questions about the how would a disabled person deal with such a situation.
The post was not limited to this particular incident but extended to the daily inconvenience that people with mobility difficulties experience in transport, from sidewalks and ships, to buses and planes.Dimitris Antoniou expresses the great disappointment and uncertainty caused by the lack of appropriate infrastructure and substantial care from the competent bodies.
His post in detail:
“I have a question for the thessaloniki Metro company and the relevant ministry.
If I was on the Metro train that stopped yesterday in Thessaloniki and they let people down to walk through the tunnelwhat would they do to me??? Would they carry me in their arms for miles? Would they let my pram in??? (no transport due to weight)
That’s why I haven’t taken the subway yet. Becuase the people I love beg me to wait a while to see what unimaginable tragedies will unfold. No, we do not have divination abilities. We only understand how the game is played.
Yes, I’m talking about our lives. Our dignity and safety are small details to them. Those of us who do not see it, we are all blind. But in a strange way we are complicit.That’s how I feel. Justice is not a matter of morality but another economic act.As much as we give, so much we win, so much we lose. So it’s not good. Asto.
For many years the trains break down in the middle of the fair and people wait for a bus to get home through the ordeal. Many years here in Thessaloniki the buses catch fire while moving and people get off and wait for the next one.We are all so tired that there is no courage and no time to pursue our right. Leave it because we don’t even know how to find our right. Asto. We will write something on Facebook for 5 minutes and we will feel that we have done our duty. Like me now. I don’t dare to take the subway because if any of these unthinkable things happen to me, I won’t be able to be pregnant who won’t do anything substantial but be thrown in nice, well composed videos, photos and texts . . It is this feeling of helplessness that has plagued me for years.
On the road I risk my life as the municipalities don’t build ramps and because their fellow citizens park on the sidewalks and nobody touches them.I can’t get my way either. On ships I still take it out in the garage, I bag potatoes on planes and trains I don’t go on because they break down every three or so and they still haven’t told me how they’re going to last. carried me to get me off a broken train. And now the metro has come to add to the list.
If I was on the train that broke down yesterday,what would I have done,could someone in charge tell me?? And how would I be compensated for the unimaginable physical and psychological suffering??? Could I find my way?? Until I get those answers,I don’t know if I’ll go near the subway. But whether I get these answers or not, great evil has already happened within me. Insecurity was confirmed in the clearest way. I won’t trust them, even years later.I wanted to be so happy about this critically important outlet for my commute in the city of Thessaloniki, but they ruined everything. I didn’t do that. They did it. And I will not forgive them.”
Interview between time.news Editor and Dimitris Antoniou
Time.news Editor: Thank you, Dimitris, for joining us today. Your recent post about the subway incident in Thessaloniki has sparked a significant conversation about accessibility. Could you share with us what you experienced that day?
dimitris Antoniou: Thank you for having me. That day was incredibly distressing. When the subway train stopped unexpectedly, passengers where instructed to evacuate.As someone in a wheelchair, I quickly realized that the situation was not just inconvenient; it could have turned hazardous for someone like me. The lack of proper accessibility features in the subway system became frighteningly clear in that moment.
Editor: It sounds like a very challenging experience. Your post highlighted the broader issues surrounding mobility and accessibility in public transport. What key issues do you think need to be addressed in Thessaloniki’s metro system?
Dimitris Antoniou: Absolutely. first and foremost, there needs to be a serious review of the infrastructure. Many exits and pathways are not wheelchair-amiable,which poses a risk during emergencies. Additionally, staff training on assisting individuals with mobility challenges should be prioritized. It’s not enough to have ramps—those ramps also need to be functional and maintained.Safety features for accessible travel must become a standard, not an afterthought.
Editor: That’s an crucial point. How do you think public awareness can help facilitate change in this area?
Dimitris Antoniou: Raising public awareness is key.My goal is to encourage people to understand that accessibility should be a universal priority; it’s not just about physical mobility. Through social media and advocacy, I aim to rally support from both the public and authorities to push for real improvements in our transportation systems. When people can empathize with those facing daily challenges, it can drive them to advocate for inclusive policies.
Editor: Have you seen any positive changes from past advocacy, or are there specific initiatives that inspire you?
Dimitris Antoniou: Yes, there have been some advancements, but the pace is slow. international organizations and local activists are starting to make a difference by highlighting these issues. Cities that embrace universal design show how effective collaboration can lead to better outcomes. For example, cities in Scandinavia have led the way in creating inclusive public spaces and transportation.It shows what’s possible with commitment and vision.
Editor: it’s crucial to learn from accomplished models elsewhere. what do you think about the role of technology in making public transport more accessible?
Dimitris antoniou: Technology can be a game changer. Apps that provide real-time data about accessibility features, or even virtual assistance during emergencies, can make a significant difference. Moreover, innovations such as automated ramp systems or even community ride-sharing initiatives can enhance mobility for disabled individuals. It’s critically important for developers and city planners to work together to include these technologies in their designs.
Editor: Very insightful, Dimitris. Lastly, what message would you like to send to those in positions of power regarding accessibility?
Dimitris Antoniou: I would urge them to listen to the voices of people with disabilities. We are the ones experiencing these barriers firsthand. It’s crucial to involve us in the conversation when designing public infrastructure. Investing in accessibility is not just a legal obligation; it’s a moral imperative. When we make spaces safe and accessible for everyone, we strengthen our entire society.
Editor: Thank you, Dimitris. Your insights are invaluable and highlight the urgent need for change in Thessaloniki’s public transport system.We appreciate your advocacy and hope to see improvements in the near future.
Dimitris Antoniou: Thank you for shedding light on this important issue.Together, we can make a difference.