Step-free access involves two separate checks: the journey to the volunteer site and the route inside it. A Hong Kong rail mobile app provides barrier-free-facility information and real-time lift-maintenance information, but it does not confirm that a particular volunteer venue is step-free.
Check the journey before leaving
A visitor should review the barrier-free facilities along the intended rail route and check real-time lift-maintenance information before relying on a lift. Availability at one station does not establish that the entire journey is step-free, so the exact entrance, interchange and connecting route still need to be considered.
If a listed lift is unavailable, the visitor should not assume that an alternative step-free route exists.
Confirm access at the volunteer site
The volunteer site should be asked to confirm:
- whether the public entrance and approach from the arrival point contain steps;
- whether doors, thresholds, corridors or changes in floor level interrupt the step-free route;
- whether a lift is required and whether its use may be restricted;
- which areas are accessible for volunteer activities;
- what alternative route or arrangement can be offered if part of the usual access route cannot be used.
These details concern the individual building and cannot be established from rail-journey information alone.
Recheck before the visit
Rail access and venue access can change independently. The lift information should therefore be checked again shortly before departure, and the volunteer site’s accessibility arrangements should be confirmed directly.
If either the journey or the route inside the site remains uncertain, the visitor should not assume that access is available. A different arrival route or another arrangement should be agreed before travelling.