Amputations and public transport travel: 3 tips

Whether taking the train for a day at the beach, traveling by tram or metro during a city trip or a tourist trip on a hop-on hop-off bus, these tips ensure that your holiday or outing by public transport is as carefree as possible.

When on holiday, it’s not always possible to avoid travel by public transport. Dreading it? You’re not the only one. After all, travelling as an amputee requires extra planning and preparation. Fortunately, there are things you can do to make your public transport experience a positive one. A bit of preparation, good planning and a Plan B can get you far. 

Almost every holiday requires good planning, but travelling with a prosthesis often requires a bit of extra preparation. Read our tips for a carefree holiday.

The accessibility of public transport depends strongly on the country in which you are travelling. So, the following tips are general in nature and can be helpful no matter where you are. Find the website for the national transport company for each specific country. Want to learn more about travelling by public transport with a disability in the Netherlands? Check out the Scouters website . For information on travelling by public transport in Belgium, see the Vlaanderen.be website .  
 

Do you have all the time in the world? Do yourself a favour and avoid rush hour. Step into the bus, train or metro at the end of the morning (after 9 a.m.), in the early afternoon or after the evening rush hour. This gives you the best chance of a quiet trip, a seat and room for your bags.

No matter how well you have planned everything, the unexpected can occur. So, don’t plan too far ahead. Is the bus too crowded? You may have to skip this one and wait for the next bus. It can also take extra time to transfer to a different platform. Also make sure to have a Plan B. For example, is there an accessible taxi you can call if you miss the last bus? Naturally, you can assume that your alternative plan won’t be necessary, but it’s wise to consider all the options just in case.

There is nothing wrong with asking for help when you need it. Most public transport employees deal with disabled travellers on a regular basis, so they should be more than willing to help you get in and out or help you determine the best route. Who knows, you may even get a few good sightseeing tips! Use it to your advantage. Your travel companions are also probably more than willing to help you out when needed. So, don’t hesitate to ask for help in order to make your trip an easier one.