The failure of Republic Bank to provide drive-thru ATM facilities for its customers puts disabled people at a great disadvantage. It is both physically and financially stressful.
This was pointed out to the bank official at Republic Bank (West Mall) when I tried to transact business there. I informed the official that the drive-thru teller is ideal for those confined to a wheelchair. The only bank with such a facility is RBTT. Whenever I access my Republic Bank account via RBTT I incur an extra service charge. For me to use Republic Bank ATMs it is cumbersome to get my wheelchair, mount it up, get to the machine to sometimes find it is temporarily out of service. All this info was shared with the manager and she replied that a "drive-thru teller is not the policy of Republic Bank, we have ramps."
This official must be reminded that banks are largely kept afloat by good customer relations and service. Disability is not confined to people. Organisations can and do suffer this fate. Republic Bank must change its attitude and policies as regards people with disabilities. A pretty face, fancy logo and catchy phrases did not save the banks that recently failed all over the world. Facilitating customers must not only be seen as an investment but also as the good and proper thing to do. We should not have to wait for some act or legislation to be passed for the playing field to be levelled.
I urge Republic Bank to follow the lead of RBTT and install drive-thru teller facilities. Until then disabled people should not be charged for using this service at RBTT. In fact, the Ministry of Social Development should intervene to allow all people with disabilities to have access to all ATMs free of charge, as is the case with the arrangement in place for URP workers.
Keith Thomas
Via e-mail