Dublin is such a breath-taking city. From the varied architecture, local bars, and historic sites, there is always something to do or somewhere to be. While University College Dublin (UCD) is a bit far from the center, having a bus stop just a few minutes away has been a major advantage. Using public transportation has been an experience, but I can’t help but notice how Dublin’s public transportation system can impact the quality of life for people with disabilities living here.
Transportation is a key component of independence, however, a big issue for individuals with disabilities is accessing reliable transportation and understanding how to use it. While there are many accessible bus stops around Dublin, the busses are not well-equipped to serve individuals with disabilities.
The busses I’ve taken have been able to accommodate individuals with wheelchairs. There is a small section dedicated to this population at the front of the bus. However, this area can only fit one person at a time. This can create issues if more than two people using wheelchairs try to ride the same bus. I also noticed the spot is also a popular place for people to stand, especially for parents with children in strollers.
Therefore, space is not guaranteed. While the front of the bus may be accessible when entering, exiting the bus is also a problem since the corridors are incredibly narrow. There is not enough room to exit in a sufficient manner. This makes me wonder how many individuals with disabilities do not use the bus here since finding a spot and exiting are frustrating and time-consuming obstacles.
I never realized how much effort and planning go into using Dublin’s public transportation system. With so many bus stops, the ride is very stop-and-go and factors, like traffic and getting to a bus stop, add extra time to a daily commute. Using this system is a workout for one’s executive functioning skills. In fact, it makes me wonder if this system is inaccessible to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities because of it.
