Mobility, Travel, Transport and Tourism

International News

Solo Travel without Sight: the Ultimate Guide to Traveling Blind (Feb, Connor Scott-Gardner)

Beyond Barriers: trailblazers of inclusive travel. 14 people making the world more accessible for 2024. (Jan, Condé Nast Traveller)

5 reasons why affordable and accessible public transport is crucial for social and climate justice (2023, Greenpeace)

10 Most Accessible Cities features some big capitals including some cities I did not think of as very accessible. (link to pdf, 2022, Valuable 500)

Global Trends Report on Making Travel Inclusive for All (link to pdf, 2022, Valuable 500)

Fostering an inclusive urban transport system. Survey on inclusion from 20 public-transport operators around the world. They found that there were initiatives for inclusion but they were usually not integrated. (2022, McKinsey)

Experts at Dubai summit seek better travel facilities and accessibility for 'people of determination' worldwide (2022, Gulf News)

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Africa

How the Safari Industry Is Getting More Accessible — and Making Dream Trips Possible for Travelers With Disabilities. (2023, Travel + Leisure)

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Egypt

Egyptians with disabilities enjoy swimming at dedicated Mediterranean beach (2022, Global Times)

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Ghana

Ride-Hailing Services in Ghana Struggle to Meet Wheelchair Accessibility Needs. (2023, Tech Nova)

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South Africa

The world's first luxury wheelchair-accessible safari (2023, CN Traveller)

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Tanzania

Long-Distance Coaches, Trains and City Buses Ignore Persons with Disabilities (2022, Tanzania Times)

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Bangladesh

Is the metrorail disabled friendly? Video feature demonstrating accessibility features. (2023, Human Development Media)

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China

Young people in Guangzhou commute in electric wheelchairs as e-bikes face tighter rules. ‘The electric wheelchair “saves effort and is flexible, and you can ‘drive’ directly to your destination without having to find a parking space”’ (2023, The Straits Times)

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India

The long fight for accessible buses in Chennai (2023, Citizen Matters, Chennai)

Diary of a wheelchair traveller: 7 accessible spaces in India (2022, Money Control)

Representation to West Bengal Transport Authorities on procurement of accessible, low floor buses. (2022, Freedom of Movement Coalition)

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Israel

Making Israel’s history and heritage accessible for all (2022, Jerusalem Post)

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Japan

Disabled people seek accessible Nagoya Castle to be enjoyed by all “After more than 400 years, the iconic Nagoya Castle is under siege, this time by those wanting to make it more accessible to wheelchair-users and those who are determined to keep it as original as possible.” (2023, The Asahi Shimbun)

Tourism in Japan for everyone interview with Accessible Japan. (2023, Arigato Travel)

Japan’s Transit System and its efforts on disability access (2022, Bloomberg)

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Jordan

Accessibility issues remain a barrier at Jordan’s tourist attractions (2023, Jordan Times)

People with disabilities see long road ahead to accessible public transport (2022, Jordan Times)

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South Korea

39 Barrier free destinations in our country a new book (In Korean, 2023, imedialife)

Resolution remains elusive for Seoul's disabled accessibility issues (2023, Korea Times)

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United Arab Emirates

Dubai makes night swimming beaches accessible “Municipality has provided dedicated services, offering floating chairs, and special ramps for an inclusive environment” (2023, Khaleeji Times)

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Uzbekistan

Inaccessible public transportation a video of a wheelchair user not managing to get on buses explained on twitter. (in Uzbek, no subtitles, 2022)

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Europe

Europe’s Most Accessible Railway Nations a review shows Netherlands doing best and Czech railway lagging behind. (Jan, Omio)

The revised Regulation on Rail Passenger Rights enters into force – What’s new for persons with disabilities? (2023, EDF)

Next stop: a transport system accessible for all (2021, EC)

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Belgium

Ghent launches campaign for visually and hearing impaired tourists. (2023, Travel Tomorrow)

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France

One year before Paralympics, Paris trying to make city more accessible to those with disabilities (2023, AP)

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Germany

Is Germany accessible for travelers with disabilities? – DW – 11/06/2023 “It's not easy for vacationers with disabilities to travel around Germany. Can the required infrastructure be improved?” (2023, DW)

Let's let the lifts glow: disabled people call to test accessibility of stations. (In German, 2023, Kobinet Nachrichten)

A lawyer sues the Ministry of Transport to ensure access to trains. (in German, 2022, Rollstuhl Kurier)

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Greece

Greece makes nearly 200 beaches accessible with adaptive chairs (2023, Washington Post)

Tourism for disabled people has obstacles “Holidays are like a battle plan" (In Greek, 2023, Dikaioma)

Acropolis in Athens Becomes Accessible to Visually Impaired Visitors. (2022, GTP)

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Ireland

'Shameful': Ombudsman slams ten-year delay by Govt to provide disabled people transport supports. (2023, The Journal)

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Italy

Book review of 'Disability and Tourism in Nineteenth- and Twentieth-Century Italy' (2023, H-Disability)

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Netherlands

This tiny Dutch vehicle for people with disabilities is taking off: “a compact four-wheeled, two-seat microcar that's unlocking micromobility”. (2022, MIT Technology Review)

An interview about Haltebuddy: personalizing accessibility information in public transport. (2022, Amserdam Intelligence)

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Poland

What if I were to take your place a short advertisement that starts of sexy and ends up... well you'll have to watch it for the twist. (2022) See some background on Red Pepper.

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Portugal

For Diogo, There's a new Metro station in Lisbon. (in Portuguese, 2022, #Lisboa Para Pessoas)

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Romania

Romania’s inaccessible public transport is causing loss of life a woman died after assisting her wheelchair-using daughter in the tram. (2023, EDF)

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Switzerland

A wheelchair-friendly guide to Switzerland (Feb, Condé Nast Traveller)

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United Kingdom

Calls for government to improve countryside walkways “Ramblers said wheelchair users, some of the elderly, those with pushchairs and dog walkers are hindered by unmaintained gates, stiles, steps and path surfaces, as well as lack of public toilet facilities and seating.” (Apr, BBC)

Catching up with Amar Latif, the blind adventurer making the world more inclusive. (2023, Wanderlust)

Are we there yet? Research into disabled people's experiences of transport in England: the barriers we face, and priorities for change.

“We do not have equitable access to any mode of transport, and the impacts of this injustice can be felt in every corner of our lives” (2023)

Hacking the underground a book on disability, infrastructure, and London's Public Transport System. “Centering the voices of disabled passengers, Hacking the Underground highlights how marginalized groups subvert and ultimately transform infrastructures, actively shaping them.” (2023, University of Washington Press)

Accessible Electric Vehicle Charging (2023, Motability)

Blind man and guide dog refused taxis over 30 times. (2022, BBC)

How can electric vehicles be made more accessible to disabled people? (2022, Environment Journal)

‘I have to plan for if I am stranded, if I am dropped, if my chair is damaged’: the perils of travelling while disabled. (2022, the Guardian)

Disabled passengers bearing brunt of travel disruption (2022, the Guardian)

Death of blind man hit by train ruled accident. ‘Matt Stringer, chief executive of the Royal National Institute of Blind People, said the death "was not an isolated incident".’ (2022, BBC) See also other experiences and reflections on access issues at train stations.

Disabled campaigners are to thank for accessibility on the Elizabeth Line “A decade ago, Transport for All campaigned hard for the Line to be accessible, and were successful in securing £33 million additional investment to make this happen” (2022, Transport for All) The Elizabeth Line will make a big difference for me in getting across London. Can't wait to try it out.

What makes an EV charging station accessible for people with disabilities? (2022, WhichEV)

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Canada

Uber must pay wheelchair user $35,000 and provide accessible rides, according to a ruling by B.C. Human Rights Tribunal. (Mar, Vancouver Sun)

Beryl Potter Takes On Paratransit Much can be learned from the disability activist’s 1981 protest against Wheel-Trans. An excerpt from Dustin Galer's biography of her. (Jan, The Tyee)

People with disabilities bearing the brunt of travel woes: “Whereas a lost or damaged suitcase is an inconvenience, a lost or damaged mobility device robs people of their dignity, their mobility, and their independence, and it can pose a risk to their health. This is far more than an inconvenience. In many cases, it may be a violation of fundamental human rights.” (2022, Canadian Human Rights Commission)

Toronto City Council Today Banned Robots from Sidewalks, to Protect People with Disabilities (2021, AODA)

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Costa Rica

The odyssey faced by disabled people in public transport video reporting on the experiences of a wheelchair user using (or, not being able to) bus routes. (In Spanish, Mar, Calle 7)

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Dominican Republic

Barriers for blind people lack of signals and accessibility in the streets and transport turn leaving the house into an act of bravery. (In Spanish, Feb, Acento)

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Mexico

It is not a car “The Citroën Ami electric microcar has had a lot of recognition, and has now joined forces with PIMAS to become a vehicle for people with limited abilities” (In Spanish, 2023, Cero a 100)

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Nicaragua

Disabled people report extra charges in taxi services being charged more for assistive devices. (In Spanish, Mar, El Canal del Orgullo Nicaguënse)

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United States

Disabled People Are Dying in America’s Crosswalks. “The data on traffic fatalities and injuries doesn’t account for their needs or even count them. Better data would enable better solutions.” (Mar, Governing)

Meet the woman behind some of the biggest changes for disabled travelers in over 30 years “Though few people know her name, Emily Voorde helped shape Secretary Pete Buttigeg’s views on disability long before he was advancing policy for the Department of Transportation.” (Feb, the 19th)

Mobility-Friendly Travel Guide a “comprehensive guide designed to make travel accessible, enjoyable, and worry-free for those using wheelchairs, walkers, and canes.” (2023, NCOA)

More states strive to make parks, trails accessible to people with disabilities. (2023, Missouri Independent)

General Motors' Cruise unveils wheelchair-accessible robotaxi: The wheelchair-accessible vehicle called Cruise WAV is based on its Origin driverless vehicle that operates without a steering wheel and pedals with room for passengers to sit facing each other. (2023, Reuters) See a video demo.

Ford Patent Filed For Accessible Scooter “The scooter outlined in this patent would feature a base that can be adapted to connect to the frame of a wheelchair, locking securely into place” (2023, Ford Authority)

Disability rights vs. snowy sidewalks: Seattle's annual conversation. (2022, Crosscut)

How Uber and Lyft still fail their disabled passengers. See also a judgement that Uber doesn't have to provide wheelchair-accessible vehicles in every city. (2022, The Verge)

Biden administration to announce $1.75 billion in funding to improve rail station accessibility (2022, CNN)

Six Things Wheelchair Users Should Know About Autonomous Vehicles (2022, New Mobility)

In New York, M.T.A. Vows to Make Subways 95% Accessible. “It Will Take 33 Years.” (2022, NYT)

Good to see that in NYC the pilor shared e-scooter scheme included possibility to rent wheelchairs or mobility scooters. (2022, NYC Scooter Share)

Accessible Cars Aren’t Born, They’re Made "Car buyers looking for specific mobility features have limited options, but customizers and manufacturers are trying to change that." (2022, Wired)

How 3 travelers with disabilities or chronic illness navigate the world "These travelers cope with an added layer of worry and logistics. Here’s how they do it." (2022, Washington Post)

Amtrak Pays $2.25 Million to Disabled People Who Were Unable to Access Train Stations (2022, Newsweek)

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Australia

Introducing Australia’s new wave of accessible beaches (2023, The Independent)

Abrolhos Islands upgrades make paradise more accessible for tourists (2023, ABC News)

Tasmanian man died after his wheelchair tumbled down an embankment when he got sick of waiting for a taxi. (2023, ABC News)

New national Fitness to Drive standards are 'discriminatory' and 'humiliating' for autistic drivers, psychologists say. (2023, ABC News)

Study shines light on impact of beach accessibility (2023, University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland)

Australia misses 20-year public transport accessibility target as many train and tram networks fail people with disabilities. One source estimated “at best 50 per cent compliance to [accessible public transport] standards”. (2023, ABC News)

Left behind: the fight for accessible public transport in Victoria | Victoria | The Guardian (2022, the Guardian)

Web Guide for Disability Access to Australian Beaches (2022, Accessible Beaches)

‘We’re not a priority’: people with disabilities wait up to three hours for transport in regional Queensland. (2022, the Guardian)

‘You can make money out of us’ the disabled people demanding more accessible travel and tourism (2021, the Guardian)

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New Zealand

Disability advocates call for enforceable standards in tourism (Jan, 1News)

Wheelchair users call for accessible beaches: 'Can you imagine the freedom?' (Jan, RNZ News)

Putting a blind-friendly transport system on the political agenda. Editorial by the Debrief's own Áine Kelly-Costello. (2023, Blind Citizens NZ)

Not Built For Me: Freedom, frustration in navigating public transport with a disability (2022, Stuff)

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Bolivia

Agreement guarantees a single fair of one boliviano for persons with disabilities. (In Spanish, Mar, La Patria)

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Chile

Association of the Blind demands that the government take responsibility for the death of the person who fell onto the metro track. (In Spanish, 2022, ElMostrador)

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Paraguay

Fare exemptions for people with disabilities in force but there are complaints of non-compliance. (In Spanish, Feb, ABC)

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Peru

Enhanced Accessibility at Machu Picchu: New Section Opens for People with Disabilities. (2023, Market Research Telecast)

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Uruguay

Maldonado Municipality will pay up to $300,000 to public transport companies for tickets for people with disabilities. (In Spanish, Mar, La Diaria Maldonado)

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