MetroBus

Date of visit: June 2016

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

Overall Rating

The city has a comprehensive bus network which integrates well with the U-bahn and S-bahn networks. Some lines (Metrobus, with an M in front of the number) run every 10 minutes 24/7. Most buses have a manually operated ramp (the driver will deploy this if you signal clearly) and most buses have two wheelchair/buggy spaces. In general people who don't need these will vacate them for you. The wheelchair entrance is double doors half way down the side of the bus. It isn't eady to reach the ticket machine from the wheelchair spaces so, if travelling alone, it's a good idea to buy ticket(s) in advance at a U-bahn or S-bahn station. The timetables at bus stops show whether the buses on those routes are wheelchair accessible. BVG (the bus company) has helpful Android, iPhone/iPad & Windows apps and a good website, accessible in English @ http://www.bvg.de/en/

Disabled Access In and Around

Good, but one misses Lothian Buses' power-operated ramps. The double doors are wide and the wheelchair/buggy spaces just inside them. This 66 year-old accompanist was able to get wife & wheelchair on and off buses without the need of a ramp. A ramp would be essential for solo wheelchair users and power chair users.

Parking & Transport

It would be five stars but for the occasional driver who didn't "curtsey" the bus to enable me to back the manual wheelchair off without using the ramp and for the occasional fellow passengers who didn't vacate the wheelchair spaces. Bus stops are clearly labeled and provide clear information about timetables and routes.

Accessible Toilets

0

Not applicable

Staff

Mostly friendly & helpful. You might encounter the occasional driver who is in a hurry and makes life trickier by not parking next to the kerb. We also encountered fellow passengers who offered to deploy the ramp for us. If you need the ramp, tell the driver the name of the stop where you will be getting off. That requires a bit of advanced planning, but the app will help and bus stops have route diagrams as well as timetables.

Additional Information

It's a great way to see the city because (unlike much of the U-bahn system and some of the S-bahn system) you are above ground.

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