GVB Amsterdam Trams

Date of visit: June 2017

I am a carer or friend of a disabled person. I have experience of challenges around: moving around

Overall Rating

Cobbles, pavements and some steep bridges make the historic heart of Amsterdam quite challenging for wheelchair users, but the extensive tram network offers a way of getting round the city and into some of its suburbs which is accessible to wheelchair users. Some trams are fully accessible, other (older models) have one wheelchair accessible entrance in the middle of the tram.

Disabled Access In and Around

The signage is good. The more modern trams have almost level access, though an unaccompanied wheelchair user might need help. The older models have a lower central section which is wheelchair accessible. As on most public transport systems you have to rely on other passengers vacating the wheelchair space. Our (limited) experience of this was positive. There's a sensibly placed button to alert the driver when you wish to get off.

Parking & Transport

0

Not applicable

Accessible Toilets

0

Not applicable

Staff

We didn't need to interact with the drivers, but our experience was that we were given plenty of time to get on and off once the driver was aware of our presence.

Additional Information

Amsterdam has just gone over to a cash-free system on public transport - you can't pay on the buses or the trams, and need to buy a ticket in advance. There are machines at the principal stops and in metro stations. The machine we used took a bit of navigating as the captions were only in Dutch, which neither of us speaks, but the accompanist managed to buy two one-day "chipkaarts" - good value at 7.50 euros per person. These work like London's Oyster Cards - you need to hold the card against a pad every time you get on and get off a tram. The pads are easily accessible from the wheelchair spaces on the trams. The "chipkaarts" are also valid on the buses and the metro (underground).

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