Zurich is the largest city in Switzerland and the capital of the canton of Zürich. It is located in north-central Switzerland at the tip of Lake Zürich. The municipality has approximately 409,000 people and the Zürich metropolitan area has 1.83 million. Permanently settled for over 2,000 years, Zürich was founded by the Romans, who, in 15 BC, called it Turicum. However, early settlements have been found dating back more than 6,400 years ago. The official language of Zürich is German, but the main spoken language is the local variant of the Alemannic Swiss German dialect, Zürich German. Zürich is a hub for railways, roads, and air traffic. Both Zürich Airport and railway station are the largest and busiest in the country. Zurich wheelchair access is of a high standard and disability travel does not represent the challenge it does in some other cities.
Where the step up onto a bus is too high or there’s no lift at a station, travelling on public transport becomes a challenge for passengers with limited mobility. Low-floor vehicles and disabled-friendly transport stops allow people to travel without barriers.
First choice: The online timetable
The simplest way to plan your journey is on the Internet. The online timetable and ZVV timetable app for iPhone and android mobile devices take account of barrier-free requirements, even at the journey planning stage. The function is under «Option».
Step-free access
Take advantage of our low-floor vehicles: Information on accessibility for disabled persons at stops and in stations and vehicles is available in the low-floor network plans for the S-Bahn and tram network of the city of Zurich.
Please note that information on vehicles in the online timetable and the ZVV app is based on up-to-the-minute planning data. Where operations are disrupted, it may not be possible to provide low-floor vehicles in service, contrary to our schedules. For up-to-date information on the deployment of low-floor vehicles, please call ZVV Contact on 0848 988 988.
Hong Kong is an autonomous territory and a former British colony, in southeastern China. Its vibrant, densely populated urban centre is a major port and global financial hub with a skyscraper-studded skyline. The Central Business District features architectural landmarks like I.M. Pei’s Bank of China Tower. Hong Kong is a major shopping destination, famed for bespoke tailors and Temple Street Night Market.
1. Airport Express Train & Mass Transit Railway System
For passengers traveling by the Airport Express, there is direct access between the passenger terminal and the station in the Ground Transportation Centre. All Airport Express stations are fully wheelchair accessible.
The Airport Express runs every 12 minutes from 05:50 to 01:15 daily. Journeys between the Airport and downtown Hong Kong take approximately 24 minutes.
The Airport Express Train is well connected with the Mass Transit Railway system, linking the metropolis from North to South, East to West. Its 174.7km of track covers 82 stations on the Kwun Tong, Tsuen Wan, Island, Tung Chung, Tseung Kwan O, East Rail, West Rail, Ma On Shan and Disneyland Resort lines. It is one of the world’s most efficient, safe and reliable transit networks and is accessible to people with disabilities. Wheelchair users can travel from street level to the platform at all stations with the provision of public lifts or wheelchair aids. Passengers who require the portable ramp to connect the platform and the train can contact the MTR staff who are willing to assist. Ancillary facilities such as tactile guide paths, escalator audible device, and induction loop at all customer service centres are provided to assist visually impaired passengers and hearing impaired passengers.
The Light Rail mainly serves the north western part of the New Territories including Yuen Long, Tuen Mun and Tin Shui Wai area, all stations are accessible to wheelchair users and the train compartment has designated area for wheelchair passengers.
The public bus service network is extensive, providing relatively inexpensive services. All buses running the Airport service routes are low floor deck design for easy passenger access and luggage loading.
Most of the buses have the following features to assist disabled passengers:
grab pole for passenger boarding and alighting; two reserved seats near bus entrance with seat yielding signs; large destination display; red-light, line bells and push bells; low floors covered with non-slip floor material; step edges marked with contrasting colours and; grab poles and stanchions with bright distinctive colouring plus; easily-accessed alighting bell; dedicated space is provided for wheelchairs inside some bus
4. Taxi
This is the most convenient way of transport. Walking aids such as wheelchairs and crutches are carried free of charge. The fares are charged according to meter reading. Metered taxis can be hailed at the taxi station, on the street or reserved by telephone.
5. Public Light Bus
Public light bus is known as minibus or van in Hong Kong. It mainly serves areas that standard bus routes cannot reach as efficiently. They carry maximum of 16 seated passengers, no standing passengers are allowed. It is not accessible to wheelchair users, but it is accessible to people with other disabilities. Some of the public light buses have been equipped with the following features:
seat belts
braille plates with the bus license number
rugged grab poles for passengers boarding and alighting
route display panels
alighting bell
6. Tram
One of the most environmental friendly transportation systems operated by the Hong Kong Tramway Ltd serving the northern shore of Hong Kong Island, it is not accessible to wheelchair users. However, other disabled passengers e.g. those with minor mobility difficulties, persons with visually or hearing impairments, can still gain access to the service. Assistance will be given by tram drivers to board the tram via the front exit door. Seat yielding signs for disabled passengers are displayed inside the compartment as well. For more information, please visit http://www.hktramways.com/en/index.html
7. Ferries
Ferries are relatively accessible for disabled passengers. Wheelchair users can gain access from the pier to the vessel without much difficulty and the staff at the pier are ready to assist if required. The lower deck of the vessels are more accessible than the upper deck.
Wellington is the capital city and second most populous urban area of New Zealand, with a population of around 500 000. Wellington sits near the North Island’s southernmost point on the Cook Strait. A compact city, it encompasses a waterfront promenade, sandy beaches, a working harbour and colourful timber houses on surrounding hills. From Lambton Quay, the iconic red Wellington Cable Car heads to the Wellington Botanic Gardens. Strong winds through the Cook Strait give it the nickname “Windy Wellington.”
We are committed to making public transport an easy and convenient experience for people with disabilities.
Space is limited, so wheelchairs or mobility devices are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis as capacity allows.
Bus
All Metlink buses are wheelchair accessible. However, some mobility devices are not allowed on Metlink buses due to their size and weight.
The following criteria are important:
Wheelchairs and mobility devices must not exceed 70cm in width and 90cm in length
Wheelchair and mobility device users who are unable to board a service unaided must provide their own helper
The combined weight of either a self-propelled or powered wheelchair and mobility devices and its user must not exceed 250kg
Once your wheelchair or mobility device is in the wheelchair area on our vehicles, the brakes must be applied and the power (if applicable) must be switched off
Be aware drivers may not always be able to help you if they have to stay in their seats for safety reasons.
Train
All Metlink train services are accessible to wheelchairs and mobility devices, with allocated parking areas and securing belts.
Please be aware that:
Wheelchair and mobility devices users must provide their own helper if manual lifting and heavy handling of the wheelchair / mobility scooter is required. Train staff will not operate mobility scooters
Buses replacing trains can’t always carry wheelchairs or mobility devices;
Wheelchairs and mobility devices up to 80cm wide and 130cm long can be conveyed on most services
Wheelchairs and mobility devices must be able to turn within a 95cm radius
The collective weight of the wheelchair/mobility scooter, passenger and helper on the ramp must not exceed 300kg
Once your wheelchair or mobility device is in the wheelchair area on our vehicles, the brakes must be applied and the power (if applicable) must be switched off
Wheelchairs and mobility devices must be in a safe and good working condition
Luggage and bags must not be attached to the wheelchair/mobility scooter, especially when using the ramp
If you use a folding wheelchair or and mobility device you must be accompanied by enough carers to allow you to travel safely, including getting onto the trains, changing trains where necessary and leaving the train at your destination. Your helper(s) must store the folded wheelchair if necessary
Wheelchairs and mobility devices must be secured in the allocated space using the restraints with wheelchair brakes applied. In the case of powered aids, the power is to be switched off
Access
Access to train services is affected by three considerations:
Access from the street to station platforms.
Access from the platform to / from the train ie ramp or hoist access.
Space and availability on the train, ie designated space with restraints.
Some train types are more accessible to people using wheelchairs and mobility scooters than others. Our ability to provide services to people using wheelchairs and mobility devices differs depending on which line and which train type you are travelling.
Railway stations
The following railway stations have steps and are not accessible by wheelchair and mobility devices:
Awarua Street
Takapu Road
These stations may be challenging to access without assistance due to steep ramps:
AvaBox HillEpuniKenepuruNaenaeNgaurangaParemata
PomarePoriruaTaitaWingateWoburn
Buses replacing trains
Buses replacing trains are not always able to carry wheelchairs and mobility devices, particularly when supplied at short notice.
Planned replacements will include at least one wheelchair-accessible bus per train line.
Wellington City Council and TSB bank are proving a free mobility scooter at New World Metro in Wellington Railway Station to help people get around and enjoy Wellington city.
The scooter is safe and easy to use and trained staff are available to show you how to use it. Anyone over the age of 18 with limited mobility, from wheelchair users to the elderly, can use it to move around the city.
Freedom Mobility specialise in Wheelchair Accessible Vehicles and we have rented a van from them and enjoyed the experience. This way you can fully explore the region. Wherever you are travelling in NZ Freedom Mobility have you covered.
