Dear Editor:
I am writing this letter in regards to the turnstile upgrades being performed at Columbia Street SkyTrain station. First, I would like to say that the turnstiles are an excellent idea, and I am glad they are being implemented.
I understand that the upgrade to Columbia Street SkyTrain station will involve the entire lower area becoming a fare-paid zone. I am a resident of 410 Carnarvon St., and residents of our build-ing have access to Columbia Street through the SkyTrain station via our residential parkade. I use the lower level of Columbia Station (currently not a fare zone) several times a week. I use it to access stores like the Army & Navy and Pharmasave. I also attend Bikram Yoga, which is immediately across the street from the station. If you can imagine, it is a great convenience to be able to access my parkade and apartment via Columbia Street SkyTrain station. If you have any doubt, take two armloads of groceries and attempt the trek up Fourth Street to reach Carnarvon!
The following quote is from the TransLink website regarding accessibility: "You spoke, we listened. Users and stakeholders told us that they wanted a seamless and inclusive public transit system that welcomes every member of the region's diverse community with a fully integrated range of bus, rail, ferry and custom transit services that is inviting, safe, comfortable and affordable and that fully meets the needs of all people to access transit vehicles, amenities, information, customer service, training and other programs." Please stay true to your statements regarding accessibility.
My request is for the groups involved in this decision to place the turnstiles at the bottom or top of the stairs and keep the lower area of Columbia Street SkyTrain station as a non-fare-paid zone. While I am able-bodied, I know there are many residents that rely on the ease of the parkade elevators to access Columbia Street. When I consider them, I must insist that you reconsider the current plan.
Martha Szczepulski, New Westminster
