Dublin Bus fleet access highlighted in Ballymun

DUBLIN Bus held a presentation of its wheelchair accessible fleet in Ballymun last week to mark International Day of Persons with Disabilities.

Hosted by Dublin Lord Mayor, Cllr Christy Burke, the event took place at the Axis Centre on Main Street.

Dublin Bus is currently fitting its entire fleet with an audio

‘next stop’ announcement system, which will help the visually impaired as well as those who may not be familiar with the bus service they are using.

The company is also now only one of two bus firms in Europe to offer a fully low floor accessible fleet, and all buses are equipped with retractable ramps at entrances and a priority space for wheelchair users.

All future buses will also have a designated buggy space. Speaking at the event, the Lord Mayor said:

“Transport is essential to enable people with disabilities to work, meet with friends and generally live independent lives to their fullest potential.

“I welcome the progress that Dublin Bus has made in making its buses accessible for all customers.

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Since 2007, Dublin Bus has provided a Travel Assistance Scheme to help people with disabilities travel independently.

Under this scheme, a Dublin Bus Travel Assistant accompanies the customer the first few times they travel, as well as providing advice on planning journeys on Dublin Bus, DART or Luas.

Dublin Bus Accessibility Officer, Dolores Henchin said:

“As a public transport provider in the Greater Dublin Area, a priority for Dublin Bus is to provide a service that is accessible to all.

“Dublin Bus will continue to keep pace with advancements in technology to improve the customer experience when travelling on our services.

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Dublin Bus meets on a quarterly basis with representatives from the National Council for the Blind Ireland (NCBI), Irish Wheelchair Association (IWA), St Michael’s House, the Irish Guide Dogs Association and the Older People’s Parliament.

Local councillors Paul McAuliffe (FF) and Noeleen Reilly (SF) also attended last week’s event

“For too long people with disabilities have been ignored and the simple things we take for granted like travel have been huge obstacles for them,

? said Cllr Reilly.

“I welcome the new features on the bus which means wheelchairs and buggies will be allowed on at the same time. There will also be more space for people and all passengers will be asked to exit through the middle doors.

“As a user of Dublin bus myself I have frequently seen situations where either someone in a wheelchair of someone with a buggy have been refused access.

“The new buses will mean that the likelihood of this happening in the future will be greatly reduced.

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