What Are the Daily Challenges of Public Transport?
“Once, I had to miss two buses before I could get on because of prams,” remembers Joanne Sansome, a daily motorized wheelchair user dealing with cerebral palsy. She draws attention to the continuous challenges people with impairments have getting on public transit.
What Outdated Systems and Ongoing Issues Are Impacting Accessibility?
Joanne had much difficulty before the bus ramps were switched to manual operation. “I had to be lifted off the bus; the automatic function was broken,” she said. While most Northern Ireland trains and buses are now wheelchair-accessible, Joanne has relied on her parents for transportation instead of public services.
“We are committed to providing convenient, safe, and accessible services for everyone,” Translink, Northern Ireland’s public transport company, said. Despite her dedication, Joanne reflected on her earlier experiences: “I used to travel by bus regularly, but had to stop when I began experiencing more and more difficulty.”
How Are Wheelchair Users Competing for Space on Buses?
“Sometimes when you get on the bus, there are people with children in prams, and sometimes they’re reluctant to fold the pram up and give you the wheelchair space, which means you have to wait for the next bus,” Joanne said, outlining her complaints.
She notes her luxury: “In a way, I am lucky because both of my parents are now retired, so I have started using them instead of getting a taxi or a bus. “Only some, though, have this background.
What Makes Public Transport Experiences Undignified for Wheelchair Users?
Living in Portrush and using public transit at least thrice a week, Caroline Dorsett said her encounters were “quite undignified.” “I had once been left stranded in Coleraine because the wheelchair space on the bus was taken by someone traveling with a pram,” she said.
“Drivers do their best, but you cannot get on if someone refuses to move,” Caroline said. “You are then negotiating into a space if you find a bus to ride. Usually, a few chairs are on the side; you try to arrange those and occupy the area. You have that audience, though, as when I finally park, I have to deal with the remainder of the passengers instead of the front. Sometimes, other passengers try to jam buggies or other mobility equipment in front of you, so you cannot get off the bus. Should I not have to utilize the bus, I would not.
What Unique Challenges Do Rural Areas Face for Wheelchair Users?
Although every bus and train carriage Translink has in Northern Ireland is accessible, the situation is not without difficulties. Not all cars have low floors, which would allow more straightforward entry from the pavement. Goldline coaches use side lifts, for example. Caroline pointed out that those who live in rural regions deal with far more complex problems.
“If I want to guarantee a spot on the bus, then I have to ring first to see if I can get on since if there’s a wheelchair already on the bus, I can’t get on, which leaves me sitting at a bus stop without any shelter,” she said. “We just want the same as everyone else; none else has to do that.”
Wheelchair users in rural locations suffer compared to cities or bigger towns because buses are infrequent. According to recent figures from the NI Statistics and Research Agency, people with mobility issues made an average of 519 travels in 2021—44% less than those without such problems.
What Progress Is Being Made to Improve Accessibility?
Translink said that in response to these difficulties, it is introducing a new fleet of buses with distinct areas for prams and wheelchair users. The business also mentioned that staff members had received training as part of its accessibility strategy. “We work with organizations like Inclusive Mobility and Transport Advisory Committee (IMTAC), Royal National Institute of Blind People, Guide Dogs NI, and others to ensure our services are a welcome space for those with physical and hidden disabilities,” a spokeswoman said.
For more than ten years, IMTAC has been pushing for improved public transit accessibility, pointing out that although progress is evident, it is gradual.
What Is the Hopeful Future for Wheelchair Users in Northern Ireland?
Joanne voiced wary hope for future advancements: “I understand that effort is being made to make travel more accessible for individuals with impairments. Being free and independent is excellent, and Northern Ireland may meet the criteria.
