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Paris buses accessible to wheelchair users
RATP tries to make it easier for disabled people to use its networks wherever possible. Since 17 December 2009, all 60 lines in the Paris bus network have been accessible to wheelchair users.
The necessary road works (raising of pavements, moving of bus stops, alterations to bus shelters, etc.) were conducted in partnership with Paris City Council. By 31 December 2009, 44 suburban bus lines, 57 out of 65 RER stations and all three tram lines were accessible to wheelchair users.
RATP ahead of legislation
The law requires RATP to make its networks accessible to all disabled people by 2015, with the exception of the metro, whose design dates back many years. The master plan established by STIF, the transport organising authority for Ile-de-France, intends for all of Paris’s bus networks to be accessible to wheelchair users by 31 December 2009. RATP was able to meet this challenge thanks to the hard work of its teams and the cooperation of Paris City Council. This major project, which involved raising pavements, moving street furniture, pull-off lanes, signage, passenger information at bus stops, driver training and more, was co-financed by the Île-de-France Region and STIF. Close collaboration with the various local authorities served by RATP’s bus networks is now required in order to guarantee the accessibility of all 337 RATP lines in Île-de-France.
When is a line deemed accessible?
A line is deemed to be accessible when 70% of its stops are accessible to wheelchair users. Each time a bus line is made accessible, RATP initiates a local communication campaign (leaflets, posters, etc.). This tells wheelchair users which stops are accessible and provides them with all the practical information they need to use the network effectively. It also makes all customers aware of the rules to follow when travelling with wheelchair users.
