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How to get around London in a wheelchair

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london wheelchair

Visiting London with a wheelchair? We have a few tips for you on getting around the city:

Tube

If you want to get somewhere fast and avoid traffic, tube can be a great choice. It is much faster and most of the stations have step-free access via elevators. Although we do recommend checking out the stations beforehand.

Just look out for rush hours, because certain metro lines can get hectic.

london wheelchair tube

Buses

Although it is great that so many buses are now accessible and it certainly opens up horizons. However, there are issues if, for example, there is a buggy in the wheelchair space, or the bus is very crowded you might not be able to get on which is a problem, and other passengers should pay attention to it. Watch out once you are on the bus, say in the rush hour, which seems to be all day in London, because you may well end up traveling with someone’s shopping bag or rack sack in your face. You can just let them know politely that you feel uncomfortable, most people will be happy to give you more space.

 

Another issue can be the attitude of bus drivers. Most are cheerful and helpful but unfortunately, some are not so a little extra patience will be required from your side. We recommend traveling with your bus pass, it makes life so much easier since you don’t have to top up every so often. It’s a monthly fee and it usually turns out to be cheaper than buying individual journeys.

Cabs

If you need a taxi we do recommend to book in advance, where you have the option to request an accessible cab, because most aren’t.

Electric chair

All in all getting about under your own batteries often seems the best option. Watch out for cars parking on the pavement, because they often block the way. Another issue can be the rain that is ever present, so definitely prepare a raincoat.

Train

When traveling on the train it is important to book assistance in advance. They will assist you to your platform, and provide you a way to get on the train because you probably cannot get on by yourself. That also means you can wave a bit of paper under the nose of customer services if they deny all knowledge of you. Please note that not all train stations are accessible, so check before you book your journey. Unfortunately, that can mean that you have to get off somewhere with accessible platforms and not the place you want to travel to.

Navigation

Google Maps has become more wheelchair friendly with the launch of public transport journey-planner tool for disabled people and have been welcomed by disability campaigners. The text giant has launched an extra filter on their Maps service enabling users to select a “wheelchair accessible” option when looking up public transport directions around the city. Unfortunately, they do not provide wheelchair navigation on pavements that would allow turn-by-turn journey planning. Route4U, however, breaches that gap by providing wheelchair friendly navigation and accessibility information on Points of Interests such as restaurants and cafés.

Article provided by stairliftguru.co.uk, edited by Timea Orban.

Heineken + Route4U = Accessibility info of 10,000 new places online

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Heineken Hungary was one of the very first companies to join Route4U’s Brands for the accessibility programme. The firm’s 120 sales representatives had joined the initiative to build Route4U’s online accessibility map in order to help people with reduced mobility and raise awareness of the issue at the same time.

Route4U is the world’s first sidewalk navigation tool that incorporates accessibility information of pavements, intersections and public transport services so as to provide custom made routes for wheelchair users. In the app, you can find accessibility information of specific points of interest as well such as cafés or restaurants.

The role of HEINEKEN

The company’s employees took part in the programme as volunteers. They have assessed routes as well as points of interests for three months by using the Route4U app. In total, they have assessed the accessibility features of 10.000 places in Hungary.
10.000 new assessment is a huge deal for two reasons. On the one hand it showcases the potential in crowdsourced data collection on a voluntary basis. On the other hand, however, it also reveals that a big company can and is willing to take on an active role in moving important social issues forward.

The press conference

wheelchair application route4u hungary accessibility

Apart from the Route4U team Edina Som-Balogh actress (and new mom), José Matthijsse head director of Heineken Hungary, Márta Pálfalvi HR director of Heineken Hungary and József Szakály leader of MEOSZ took part in the roundtable discussions. The event attracted considerable media attention.

José Matthijsse stated about the movement:
„ At Heineken, we believe that it’s not only important to do good to the community on the individual level, but also on a company level. That’s the only way we can achieve the best possible outcome. I’m proud of our team, and it’s a great feeling to work with people who use technology to help others. It’s an honour to be part of the Route4u movement, and we encourage others to do so as well!”
Results

We owe a huge thank you to the employees who joined as volunteers to build the map. Of course they also receive the Route4U points that they can use up at our partners.

Join Route4U today to become a volunteer and help the community! It’s a great opportunity to do good in a truly 21st century way, with just a few taps on your phone. The points you get for your efforts can be used up for treats and discounts in Hungary, and we hope to expand the opportunity to the UK and Ireland as well.

We welcome the application of companies that will help us continue what we started with Heineken!

Let’s work together for a more inclusive world!

Download the Route4U app here: https://route4u.org/app.html