The express boat Namdalingen receives criticism from the Handikapforbundet

– It was simply a downturn, says Arve Nordahl of the Norwegian Handikapforbund.

Like many others along the Namdal coast, he had been looking forward to the new fast ferry between Leka, Rørvik and Namsos being put into operation.

But when the boat Namdalingen arrived, the handicap association realized that not everyone had the same reason to rejoice.

Because they believe that people with mobility challenges will have problems using the boat.

– I would say it is impossible, says Nordahl.

Several are missing

Nordahl has been and seen the boat himself. He says there are several things that make it difficult to use for people in wheelchairs, for example – what is called Universal Design.

The Handikapforbundet points to, among other things:

• The gangway used to get on and off the boat is too steep to access with a wheelchair and walker
• There is no space for wheelchairs in the space set aside for wheelchairs
• High threshold into the cabin of the boat
• There is a missing guide line in the boat for those with poor vision
• The mirror in the disabled toilet is too high

– There should be no obstacles to the use of wheelchairs, walkers, prams, crutches, but the boat is, unfortunately, not accessible to them, says Nordahl.

– Should have been in place

Trøndelag County Council, which is responsible for the route, has realized that the solutions are not good enough.

– I think it is too bad that we are unable to get this sorted from the start, says county deputy mayor, Pål Sæther Eiden.

The public transport company AtB is responsible for ensuring that the boat can be used by everyone. Before the boat was put into operation, they discovered that not everything was as they wished.

The company that runs the boat is in the process of fixing several things.

– A space for a wheelchair will be created, which will provide better space for the wheelchair. In addition, there will be even more adaptations on the quays, says general manager Vidar Hop of Vidar Hop Skyssbåter AS.

The quays will also be improved so that they are not so steep. The other things that the disability association has pointed out will also be put in place.

The goal is for everything to be fixed by May 15.

– In an ideal world, this should have been in place at the outset. But we do what we can to adapt to the requirements we get from AtB and the Handikapforbundet, says Hop.

Asking for remodeling

Norway’s Handikapforbund believes the whole case could have been avoided. They contacted Trøndelag county council when they learned that the boat was to be built, to provide input.

– It was in 2020 that we made contact, but since then we haven’t heard anything, says Nordahl.

Although measures are now being taken to facilitate access, the association believes that it is not good enough.

– We don’t like ramps in the handicap association. I hope the boat is rebuilt. It sounds drastic, but from the handicap association’s side, we see no other solutions. The door jambs have to go, quite simply, says Nordahl.