Chris Alemany🇺🇦🇨🇦🇪🇸Nov 7, 2023

I must preface this with: As long as we have airplanes, all people should be able to fly on an airplane comfortably and safely, period. However, my point is: this also reminds me that if Canada (and North America in general) had a working high speed rail network, it is a mode of transportation that is far more conducive to accessibility and assistive devices.

I recognize trains can't go everywhere planes go (they used to!) and disabled people have the absolute right to expect the same speed and convenience of anyone else (thus this story!). But part of the problem for *everyone* is we simply have no options.

We've thrown all our transportation-eggs into the airplane and cars basket and the air corporations are showing to be particularly evil. The stories emerging from Air Canada and others are horrendous. The companies should be absolutely ashamed.

#Transportation #Canada #CanPoli #CdnPoli #AirTravel #AirCanada #Trains #Rail #DisabilityRights #HumanRights
https://www.cbc.ca/news/business/marketplace-hidden-camera-disabilities-transportation-1.7020175

Hidden cameras capture passenger who uses wheelchair struck by lift on Air Canada flight | CBC News

In light of the federal government summoning Air Canada to Ottawa this week to discuss a spate of reports about the mistreatment of customers in wheelchairs, Marketplace is releasing an exclusive preview of its hidden-camera investigation which documented a rarely seen first-hand account of the challenges faced by those flying with a disability.

CBC
Show threadClinton Anderson SwordForHireNov 7, 2023

@chris There should absolutely be accessible, affordable, frequent, electric, Hi Speed Rail from Windsor to Quebec City, with a spar off to Ottawa, at the absolute minimum!

The bs we let airlines get away with is abhorrent.

Show thread🚲Nov 7, 2023

@ClintonAnderson @chris One of my controversial opinions is that we should have high speed rail from Toronto to Vancouver.*

* NB, many HSR proponents caveat their opinion with the statement that nobody is proposing HSR from Toronto to Vancouver, to keep the conversation on slam dunk provincial scale corridors

Show threadDaigoro ToyamaNov 7, 2023
@dx @ClintonAnderson @chris You're talking about 4,000 km, which would be a 16-hour train ride travelling at an average speed of 250 km/h. Are there any other cities that the HSR can serve between the two? if the railway is primarily for connecting those two cities, I don't think it'd be a feasible idea.
Show threadChris Alemany🇺🇦🇨🇦🇪🇸Nov 7, 2023
@daihard @dx @ClintonAnderson there are many. Most likely stops would be: Kamloops, Calgary, Regina, Winnipeg, Thunder Bay, Sudbury, Toronto. With Calgary and Winnipeg probably being the biggest draws (1000km and 2000km respectively)
Show threadChris Alemany🇺🇦🇨🇦🇪🇸Nov 7, 2023
@daihard @dx @ClintonAnderson And I have to add, I think if there was a 16 hour train connection between Vancouver and Toronto, the airplane companies would be ABSOLUTELY SHAKING. I for one might never fly again.
Show threadClinton Anderson SwordForHireNov 7, 2023

@chris @daihard @dx You might be the only one though....

I don't see many people spending 16 hours where they can currently spend 3-4

As recreation, it'd be awesome, sure!

Show threadLiminally Human
@ClintonAnderson @chris @daihard @dx I've done that flight a number of times and it's generally 6 hours with a layover in Calgary. Yes 16hrs is longer, but it would have far better views plus a lot more freedom to get up and walk around. I think a lot of people would prefer that, especially if it was affordable.
Nov 8, 2023 at 12:07pmWeb
Show threadClinton Anderson SwordForHireNov 8, 2023
@liminally_human @chris @daihard @dx I've never had a layover in Calgary on that flight.....