Public transportation provides a reliable method of transportation for persons with disabilities that do not drive or have access to private vehicles. Buses, trains, and light rail systems help people (with and without disabilities) navigate around their cities and to work, stores, doctor’s appointments, and social activities in a relatively safe and efficient manner.
However, public transportation can present some accessibility challenges. Here’s what you need to know about public transportation accessibility and how to overcome common challenges.
Seating challenges
People commuting during peak hours are familiar with the difficulty in securing a seat on public transit. Often after a couple of stops, the seats will fill up and those boarding later in the route will need to stand on the bus or train as they make their way to the destination. For most people, this is annoying but not detrimental. For people with certain disabilities, standing on the bus or train is not a reasonable option.
Transit operators can help people with disabilities overcome this challenge by ensuring that the required disabled seating section in the front of the bus or train cars is properly marked. They can also help by making regular announcements over the intercom as the vehicles fill up to remind people in the front sections that they may need to give up their seat for a person with a disability that needs it.
For people with invisible disabilities, one of the greatest challenges to overcome when using public transit is learning to advocate for themselves. Many people with joint pain and stability challenges, sensory issues, and other invisible conditions may need an accessible seat but not have the confidence to ask for it.
Asking the bus driver for assistance obtaining a seat can also be an option. The reserved accessible seats on buses are typically in the front, right behind the driver − for those that are not comfortable asking passengers directly.
Physical challenges
Many cities are working to update their public transit vehicles, bus stops, and train stations to be cleaner, more accessible, and more efficient. However, there are still often physical barriers and layout challenges when accessing public transportation such as:
- Uneven or unsuitable steps or lack of ramps or elevators to underground or above ground boarding areas
- Significant differences in height between floors
- Long distances between parking or entrance areas and the boarding area
- Slippery floors
- Narrow entrances
- Excessive space between a train/light rail platform and the vehicle
It’s important for city and transportation officials to consider access issues when designing public transportation vehicles, stops, and facilities. Concerned citizens, disability advocates, and people with disabilities can also help bring issues to officials’ attention by filing reports, participating in planning meetings open to the public, and contacting local government offices. If someone needs immediate assistance navigating public transportation, they should reach out to the transit authority’s assistance line.
How transit personnel can help
Bus drivers and train operators play an important role in maintaining an accessible environment on public transportation.
The Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA) requires that train or bus stops and destinations be announced. This is automated in some cases but is typically done by transit personnel. This is a very important accessibility measure for those who are blind or visually impaired.
Transit personnel should also ensure that all accessibility features such as lifts are fully functional. If you ever notice something not working properly, including the announcement system, lift, lighting or signage, or other important features that should be reported to the driver. Riders can also help keep transit vehicles accessible by reporting spills. Slippery floors and food or hazards spilled in the pathways of the vehicle can be dangerous for everyone, especially those with disabilities.
Passengers with accessibility concerns can also use drivers and personnel as a resource. Some bus drivers are even willing to accommodate special stop requests for people with disabilities if the stop does not take them off of the bus’ assigned route.
Advocating for accessible public transportation
Public transportation plays an important role in our society. It provides transportation access to people with disabilities, reduces the environmental impact of commuting, and helps people navigate large cities that have limited parking. Citizens and government agencies should continue to work towards and advocate for more accessible public transit options.
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