Public Transport
There are lots of ways of getting around. Public transport isn’t just getting quicker and more efficient, it’s also getting more accessible.
Buses
In the UK most buses are wheelchair accessible. However, not all rail replacement buses are. Local buses can be quite narrow, and the wheelchair space can be quite small, but it should exist. Sometimes there can be disagreements about whether a wheelchair user or pushchair have priority in the wheelchair space. Legally the wheelchair user has priority. If someone has put a pushchair or luggage in the wheelchair space the bus driver has to ask them to fold or move it. However, the bus driver doesn’t have to force them to move.
Coaches
Coaches are sometimes accessible. You sometimes have to book these well in advance, in order to ensure that they put an accessible coach on your route. Otherwise this form of transport isn’t always accessible.
Trains
Most trains require a ramp for wheelchair users to access them. Typically they ask that you book your need for the ramp 24-48 hours ahead to ensure that they are able to provide this. In some areas you are able to ‘turn up and go’. These trains generally have a wheelchair space although you may have to pre-book this in advance also.
Some trains are now ‘roll on roll off’. These are few and far between, and it is also worth making sure that the train guard or stations you are travelling to and from know that you are there in case problems arise.
Be aware that not all railway stations are accessible – do your research ahead of travelling.
Other Transport
As well as public transport, you could also consider other options, such as using a taxi or owning a car.
Taxis
While not all taxis are accessible, all black cabs should carry a ramp and be accessible. Sometimes it can be difficult to access the smaller ones if you have a high wheelchair, high headrest, or a long wheelbase with foot plates that stick out a long way in front. Many of the newer taxis are better designed for this.
A black cab cannot refuse to transport you because you are a wheelchair user. You can often hail a black cab using apps such as GETT.
Other apps like Uber offer the option of booking an accessible vehicle. However, you can wait a long time for this.
If you know in advance that you will need a taxi, in many areas there will be at least one firm that offers accessible taxis (usually Wheelchair Accessible Vehicles) that can be booked ahead of time..
Cars & WAVs
If you are a wheelchair user, you will often require a wheelchair accessible vehicle (WAV), unless you are able to get out of a wheelchair that is small enough to fold into the car. The main funding route for a WAV is via Motability. You can often also buy second-hand and ex-Motability WAVs outright. With Motability, you will typically have to pay a downpayment, and then contribute the mobility component of your PIP. Motability manage the insurance and maintenance costs of your vehicle. If you are on low income or specific benefits, you may well be able to get a grant towards the downpayment.
Most WAVs are not cars that were built that way. Instead they are existing models a company adapts to take wheelchair users. They typically have a ramp that goes in the back, although some of them have a ramp at the side. Vehicles built as adapted vehicles are often larger. They may have a ramp or even a lift to get you in.
There are various options for where you sit, most WAVs are designed for you to ride in your wheelchair in the back of the car. However, there are some that are designed for you to be the frontside passenger, or even drive the car.
If you are hoping to drive your own car, it can be a long process of installing custom adaptations before you have a car that meets your needs. These cars are often adapted to be driven from joysticks, with mirrors placed such that you don’t need to be able to move your head, and complete hand controls. Motability is able to assist you with all of the assessments and design that are necessary before you can begin to drive your own adapted vehicle.