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Today I went from Newmarket to Otahuhu and back again, with my bike on the train. And let me tell you, I have some *thoughts* about station design and accessibility!
My bike doesn't easily fit into the Newmarket lifts, so I use the escalator instead - which can be a struggle...
My bike doesn't easily fit into the Newmarket lifts, so I use the escalator instead - which can be a struggle...
Next up, playing the "where will carriage two or four stop?" game, as these are the only carriages in a 6-car train which have wheeled access for bikes / wheelchairs / prams etc.
Never fun when under the clock - but at least the bike parking area was clear!
Never fun when under the clock - but at least the bike parking area was clear!
This was the first time I'd used this platform at Otahuhu, so it took a bit of guesswork to find the lift up to the over-bridge.
A++ for having a lift long enough to load a bike into end-on though! This really helps with cargo bikes, and is kinda rare on the train network.
A++ for having a lift long enough to load a bike into end-on though! This really helps with cargo bikes, and is kinda rare on the train network.
Sadly the station loses some of that grade due to this door.
I was nearly foiled here - I had to wedge one door open with my back, hold the other door with one hand, and steer the bike with my other hand. I'd hate to have to get a wheelchair through this.
But the ramp is great!
I was nearly foiled here - I had to wedge one door open with my back, hold the other door with one hand, and steer the bike with my other hand. I'd hate to have to get a wheelchair through this.
But the ramp is great!
At least the door was a bit easier this time... [I hadn't realised that the glass mirrored quite this well]
But why are the barrier gates twice as tall as the ones at Newmarket? Are there really so many more fare jumpers here, or is it a bit of 'South Auckland = thieves' racism?
But why are the barrier gates twice as tall as the ones at Newmarket? Are there really so many more fare jumpers here, or is it a bit of 'South Auckland = thieves' racism?
Again, big points for having another lift I can fit my bike into directly. The front basket can make my bike really awkward in shorter lifts.
Also - note the green markings on the platform. These show you where the wheeled-access carriages stop, which is brilliant!
Also - note the green markings on the platform. These show you where the wheeled-access carriages stop, which is brilliant!
I thought that the >>> arrows on the sign above the aisle indicate which side the platform will be on. But not this time!
Also, note that even though I've tagged through with my HOP card, each time my bike goes through a gate the alarm goes off...
Also, note that even though I've tagged through with my HOP card, each time my bike goes through a gate the alarm goes off...
Finally, can I just say how crap this pretend crossing is?
This is one of the two main exits from one of the busiest train stations in Auckland, and all you have to get across the road is an island narrower than my bike...
This is one of the two main exits from one of the busiest train stations in Auckland, and all you have to get across the road is an island narrower than my bike...
