At SIA we want everyone with a spinal cord injury to live a fulfilled life, and we think being confident to travel is part of this. We know that travelling after a spinal cord injury can feel overwhelming, particularly on public transport when things can happen which are out of your control.
We’ve put together this information sheet to give you practical information about your rights when using public transport. These rights are designed to ensure travel is safe, accessible and dignified. Your local SIA community support group can be great for advice on public transport in your local area and to give you the confidence to give new things a go.
General Rights on Public Transport
The following are some general rights that apply to most forms of public transport.
- Equal access: Transport providers must not discriminate against disabled people.
- Reasonable adjustments: Services must make adjustments so you can travel (e.g. ramps, priority seating, accessible information).
- Staff assistance: Staff should provide support where required and trained assistance should be available.
- Clear information: Travel information should be provided in accessible formats whenever possible.
- Support with mobility aids: You can bring essential mobility equipment, and operators must take reasonable care of it.
There is specific guidance for each transport type further down the page. It can be frustrating when things go wrong, but we’ve put together some practical tips and coping strategies below to help:
- Take a moment to pause and take a breath. This will really help you think more clearly and speak calmly.
- Think about your options: alerting staff immediately to the problem, using help button, or asking someone to help.
- For example, if the ramp or lift isn’t working, ask for advice and support from the staff, or use the help buttons to call for staff, who should help you with alternative travel options.
- Check available online resources or notices at the station for nearby accessible routes and options.
- Think about and explain your needs clearly and calmly – what do you need, and what are the options and alternatives. Take account of any language differences and be mindful that the words related to your individual disability needs may require simpler explanations in some cases.
- Remember staff should support and assist you to access the alternative transport to your destination.
- Document what’s happened – maybe take a photo if it’s appropriate and safe to do so, making a note of the time and day and location. This can help in advocating for support or change for better services.
- Remind yourself – it’s not your fault, and often not the fault of the person you’re talking to either, but a larger system failure. It’s ok to feel frustrated and you are not inconveniencing anyone by expecting basic access to services. Be kind to yourself; managing unexpected barriers takes strength. “I’m handling a tough situation the best I can.”
