Northern Ireland Trailblazers Inclusion Now campaign.

06
www.trailblazersmuscular-dystrophy.org
Buses
Bus services are slowly improving, most notably in Belfast. 6 Newer buses have a ramp and
wheelchair space, enabling more disabled people to access local services. However, these are
not available at all times on all routes. Investment is welcome, but to minimise challenges,
action must be taken to promote the accessible bus routes and give as much detailed
information as possible upfront to disabled passengers regarding access.
Currently in Northern Ireland, 82 percent of Translink buses are wheelchair accessible 7 . By 2015,
on completion of the planned bus deliveries, Metro will be made up of 100 percent wheelchair
accessible buses and Ulsterbus will be 81 percent accessible. 8
In general I don’t use buses, I’m never sure where the kneeling* buses are located
and how often they will come and they definitely need more information available.
In the future I’d like every bus to be a kneeling bus; I wouldn’t mind waiting. I would
use them more.
Alistair Carlisle
I think the buses need regular checks on their electronic ramps as they often don’t
work, making travel plans difficult! I would definitely recommend travelling by train
rather than bus because it’s so much more reliable.
Suzanne Glover
I am originally from London, where all buses are low-floor and accessible, but here
you have to book 24 hours in advance for an accessible bus, just so you can make
sure it has a ramp. It’s more of an inconvenience than anything else; it’s not that
often we want to use a bus but if we just happen to want to go into town for the
market or want to have a drink, it’s difficult. Booking 24 hours in advance removes
freedom and independence, plus there is then the added issue of prams taking up
wheelchair spaces.
Frances Ashe
Trains
Trains are now 100 percent accessible in Northern Ireland, as stock has been updated in
accordance with rail vehicle accessibility regulations 2001. However, it is not possible to access
all rail stations as some are old and need extensive regeneration. To use a train, a wheelchair
user can ask for assistance and use a portable ramp to get on and off the train. Rail staff
members are there to assist disabled passengers in various ways.
When I went to watch the rugby in Dublin, the Dart [Dublin Area Rapid Transport]
tram was great! It went all the way to the stadium. It was all level access with no
kerbs and no hassle. Belfast could benefit greatly from an investment like this.
Conor O’Kane
I LOVE Translink! [Northern Ireland’s integrated bus and rail public transport company.]
Since my early teens, I have been using the train to travel with friends into Belfast
for shopping days. Currently I use the train to get from university to Belfast for social
events and volunteer work. All the staff members are really helpful and always
have the ramp ready and waiting! I’m so confident with the service that I can travel
alone and be assured that the station staff will assist me to use the lift and cross the
platform if needed.
Suzanne Glover
6
www.drdni.gov.uk/newsDetails.htm?newsRef=2388
7
www.northernireland.gov.uk/index/media-centre/news-departments/
news-drd/news-drd-150113-accessible-transport-strategy.htm
8
Department for regional development; Accessible Transport Strategy 2012-15
*A kneeling bus is a bus that not only has no steps between the door and the bus
floor, but also has an air-adjustable suspension. This feature allows the driver to lower
the bus to the curb to make entering and exiting the bus much easier. By lowering
the bus, people who have limited mobility are given much easier access to the bus,
and wheelchair access is made easier. The kneeling bus takes its name from the
kneeling-like manner in which it lowers itself at the bus stop.