Ahead of unveiling intermodal station in Santiago, equal accessibility is ensured

The authorities invited reps from the national foundation for the visually impaired

Works are nearing completion on the new intermodal station in Santiago de Compostela, a facility that will allow seamless transfer between bus and rail transport. The expected opening of the station is planned for this summer, however, before that the regional authorities wanted to make sure that the infrastructure would be equally beneficial for all members of society.

For that reason, representatives from ONCE (the Spanish foundation representing the interests of the visually impaired since 1938) came to inspect the design of the space and its adaptation to meet the needs of people with various disabilities. After inspection, they were satisfied with the results and gave their approval, meaning that the station could be considered to prove equal accessibility to all.

The last part completed was the footbridge linking the two terminals: buses and trains

The representatives from ONCE were accompanied by Ethel Vázquez, the Minister of Infrastructure and Mobility of the Galician regional government. The new bus station counts with 2 gates, 36 docking platforms and occupies an area of 13,000 square metres.

In order to facilitate the mobility and orientation of blind and visually impaired people within its perimeter, the following design solutions have been implemented:

Tactile routes will indicate the direction to take when moving about the station in a way that makes it easy for the passengers to find the docking platforms of the buses. There are also information boards that include Braille script.

Furthermore, for people with mobility issues, the solution was to place elevators at the entrance of the building. These then lead straight to the docking platforms. Similarly, the connections between the bus and train stations, and between these and the city have been arranged through gradual external curving slopes. The washroom facilities in the station have been equipped in a way to be also useful for ostomy bag users.

The officials also toured the recently completed footbridge that links the two stations, and which has been described as the first covered street in Santiago de Compostela. The only thing left to do before its opening is for the Santiago City Council to formalize the service contracts for its maintenance and operation.