Getting around as a disabled person – from the perspective of our founder Claire Buckle

If you were to ask me what I fear the most, I’d say public transport! I’m lucky enough to drive and have a fantastic, adapted car.

However, during the summer of 2024, even I was shocked by the challenges disabled people, especially wheelchair users face in accessing public transport.

Travelling by train

I find trains difficult; the high step and gap between the train and the platform make me anxious about tripping or losing my balance. So, I rely on assistance, which is essential, especially in busy places like London. In the past, this assistance was unreliable, but a new app now makes it easier to arrange help at stations. There’s always someone there with a ramp when I need it, which is invaluable.

getting around as a disabled person

Trains vs Buses

Buses, on the other hand, are unpredictable. You never know if the driver will wait for you to find a seat or start moving while you’re still standing. With my poor balance, if the bus starts suddenly, I risk falling onto a stranger’s lap! This lack of disability awareness amongst bus drivers is concerning, especially when the government encourages us to use more public transport.

Travelling to the Paralympic Games in Paris

This summer, I experienced these challenges first-hand in Paris when I visited the Paralympic Games with a friend in an electric wheelchair. We planned a precise route from the Stade de France to the Arc de Triomphe, the Eiffel Tower, and back to our apartment, allowing five hours for the journey. The first train to central Paris went smoothly, but things took a turn after that.

getting around as a disabled person

Our route included a change at Notre Dame, but we found the first train had an unmanageable gap between the train and platform—impossible for a 150 kg electric wheelchair. After speaking to someone there to help us we were told the lift was out of order at Notre Dame, making the station inaccessible. Multiple Games Makers (volunteers at the Olympics and Paralympics) tried to help, but the only solution they could offer was a two-hour bus ride each way. How can one broken lift make so much of Paris inaccessible?

Some serious issues with accessibility

Undeterred, we sought help from the accessible transport hub at the main train station. After a long, “accessible” walk, we arrived only to be told they couldn’t help us and go to Tourist Information who gave us an alternative route, but it required a 50-minute walk to catch the first bus.

getting around as a disabled person

After hours of frustration, we decided to plan our own route over lunch and finally managed to reach the Arc de Triomphe. However, we faced another hurdle at the Paralympic souvenir shop, which had a large step and was inaccessible. Our next bus, the 92 to the Eiffel Tower, didn’t even stop for us—it was suspended for all of September (it is the only bus that goes to both the Arc and the Eiffel Tower).  Ordering an accessible Uber (which was also a challenge) took over half an hour, but we eventually made it to the Eiffel Tower, exhausted.

Trams saved the day

After getting the pictures we wanted and treating ourselves to a crepe we decided to return to Stade de France using the train and tram. This time, everything worked smoothly. The staff organised our journey and alerted drivers to our stops, and fellow passengers made room for us. It was such a relief—why couldn’t the rest of our journey have been this straightforward?

On reflection

Reflecting on that day, I realise it should have been about celebrating the Paralympic spirit. Instead, I remember the constant hurdles we faced. This experience made me appreciate my adapted car and easy access to UK transport, where help is more accessible. It’s shocking that, in this day and age, accessibility isn’t a priority in major cities like Paris. Perhaps they need to access some disability awareness training?