MET TRAVEL:

I reside in Melbourne and since the introduction of automated ticketing system I find it impossible to (a) purchase tickets from ticket vending machines (b) to validate tickets (c) if barriers are closed, to feed ticket into slot which activates barrier devices.

When the MET started discussing the introduction of an automated ticketing system, I started a letter writing campaign to the MET's Disability Officer, as I knew I, and many other people with disabilities, just would not be able to use this new technology.

I was told that if I could not use ticket vending machine I could purchase tickets in bulk and the MET would post them to me. I find this proposal preposterous, as I am not a daily commuter and destinations can vary, also there is the added responsibly of finding the money when purchasing in bulk.

I was also told that if I could not operate barrier devices that I would be given a "Touch Card", Smart Card". I have not heard or seen of such a card until reading through HREOC's information on e-commerce. In any event I doubt that I could use a Smart Card as I have no hand skills.

So for me the state of play is this: Every time I travel by train I am in fear that: (1) a Ticket Inspector will find me on the train without my ticket validated. (2) that barrier will be closed leaving me trapped either on the rail station or not able to access rail station.

BANKING AND ATM'S:

With no hand skills, I find this yet another example of not being able to access this new technology. My partner and I are in the process of closing down our Saving Account as we are being penalised for not having enough money in it, and so we are going to operate off our Visa account.

At the moment I can still draw money from this account by signing a withdrawal slip. How long will this last before I get charged for entering a bank's door?

This new Technology - some of it good, some of it bad - surely we cannot let it become so overpowering that it excludes the many who have no chance of meeting it head on.

Hope this will be of help.