Why can't I get the bus like everyone else? Disabled NI woman's public transport struggle
"But for most disabled people, using an Ulsterbus isn’t a lifeline – it’s a stark reminder of how we’re forgotten and abandoned in our struggle to complete daily activities that most take for granted."
Picture this: you’ve just done a big shop and you’re heading home for the day, wrestling the heavy shopping at the bus stop. The leaves are blowing in your face, and the bus is late again, but you’re in a good mood and chatting with others at the stop to pass the time.
At last, the bus arrives. You’re cold and tired, ready to go home but soon realise that you aren’t going to be allowed on the bus. The driver takes on every other person at the stop – except you.
Why? Are you drunk or aggressive or unable to pay? Of course not, you’re a disabled person living in a town in Northern Ireland.
This exact experience happened to me in October. The bus was the older Ulsterbus which has one space for a pram OR person with mobility issues OR wheelchair. That day, a two-week-old baby in a pram occupied the only space. This meant I couldn’t get on. I sympathise with parents, especially those dealing with prams and the general chaos that having small children entails but why is Translink pitting one set of vulnerable passengers against another? Why is there only room for one wheelchair or one pram or one rollator/walker on these buses?
The law is clear. Under the Disability Discrimination Act (1995), Translink staff cannot legally refuse me service because I am in a wheelchair. By failing to follow this basic accessibility requirement, Translink is not just disrespecting passengers but also breaking the law.
This wasn’t an isolated incident. Time and time again I find myself unable to access the local bus. I’ve boarded Ulsterbuses where the ramp malfunctioned, causing delays for everyone onboard until assistance arrived from Lisburn Bus Station. Just last month, the side door (used only for the wheelchair ramp) jammed in the open position. Unable to close the door, the bus couldn’t move leaving everyone onboard stranded in Belfast for over an hour until the next bus arrived. Nobody got that particular bus home that dark, wet Monday evening.
Only a few weeks ago, I watched a driver struggle to deploy a visibly damaged ramp. He succeeded but it was only when I was disembarking that I noticed his hand was bleeding. The driver had injured himself on a wheelchair ramp that had not been properly maintained. By neglecting disabled accessibility, Translink isn’t just letting down disabled passengers but the Translink staff working in these conditions as well.
The 2021 Census for Northern Ireland shows that 25% of households with a disabled person don’t have access to a car or van, compared to just 10% of non-disabled households. Access to public transport is essential to vulnerable groups like disabled passengers.
But for most disabled people, using an Ulsterbus isn’t a lifeline – it’s a stark reminder of how we’re forgotten and abandoned in our struggle to complete daily activities that most take for granted. Many of us already face significant barriers to independence and leaving the house. For disabled people like me, public transport is often the only way to get out and engage with the world.
It’s time for Translink to take responsibility, not just to comply with the bare minimum required by law, but also to ensure that all passengers – regardless of background, ability, age, or ethnicity – are treated with the basic respect and dignity everyone deserves.
We raised the below issues with Translink, with a spokesperson responding: “We are committed to making services inclusive and accessible to everyone, and we actively work with groups including the Inclusive Mobility and Transport Advisory Committee (IMTAC) to help us do this.
“All our vehicles comply with the Public Service Vehicles Accessibility Regulations (PSVAR) in Northern Ireland. Translink has been actively engaging with stakeholders and vehicle manufacturers regarding disability access within our fleet.
"Our newest Ulsterbus fleet includes a wheelchair space as well as a second, multi-function space, which can accommodate prams etc.
"Our Belfast Metro Zero Emissions electric fleet also has a second multi-function space which can also accommodate wheelchairs.
"To further support our disabled passengers, we have recently launched an accessibility guide which can be found on our website: https://www.translink.co.uk/UsingOurServicesandProducts/Accessibility/AccessibilityGuide
"The wheelchair ramps on our buses are checked on a monthly basis. We would urge our customers to bring any issues to the attention of our staff so we can rectify them.
We would ask our customer to get in touch with our Contact Centre: 02890 666630 so we can assist.”
For all the latest news, visit the Belfast Live homepage here and sign up to our daily newsletter here.