Many able bodied people take getting from A to B for granted. But disabled people do not have that luxury. Public transport in particular can present problems, although it should be said that many buses and trains are easier to board now than they were in the past.

For example, disabled access to public transport is easier on more modern buses. These can often be lowered so that instead of stepping up to board the vehicle, the person can remain on the same level. For those with walking difficulties this can make all the difference between being able to catch buses or not.

As time goes by, more and more ideas and processes are put into place to make access much easier. On London Underground trains and above ground rail networks, a tannoy system is used to announce the station stops before arrival. This gives people with sight problems time to reach the doors and exit the train safely.

Disabled access to public transport has been made easier in many ways by the advancement of both society and technology. But there is still some way to go before the availability and accessibility of the various different types of transport becomes equal. There are 33% fewer disabled people who use the public transport system, as compared to able bodied people. That is still quite a difference.

According to the Disabled Persons Transport Advisory Committee, a car is the most common way for disabled people to complete the journeys they need to make. And yet 60% of this section of society does not own or have access to a car in their household.

This is why disabled access to public transport should be made much easier still. Some people are understandably frightened to use it, since it is aimed primarily at the able bodied. Trains are easier to board for those in wheelchairs as a ramp can be provided, but buses would be virtually impossible.

In the end we still have some way to go before we are all equal as far as transport is concerned. The most important thing is to keep making constant improvements, so that more disabled people may enjoy the freedom that public and community transport can bring.



© 2009 Mobility Aids Guide.com