Any wheelchair users living in London?

[RemainAtHome]

I’ve had to use a wheelchair and this is something quite new to me.

I need to go to London, which I haven’t done in years!
And I’m starting to panic as to how I’m going to move around tte city. Underground seems to be a no-no.
Are buses ok? Or is it best to take a taxi?

Any advice on what to avoid or what would work well?

Anyone around??

Not a wheelchair user myself but I have had to help a family member in a wheelchair around London a few times. We used to get black cabs for convenience as it is the easiest and quickest way, but obviously it is pricey.

As you say, underground is generally a no-go in my (admittedly limited) experience as although there are some stations which are step free from train to street they are few and far between and sometimes the lifts break. Also be careful - there is a separate category of stations which are only step free from street to platform, you would still need assistance to board.

Buses are generally fine, can sometimes be a bit awkward getting on and off but as a rule OK. I would avoid rush hour travel though.

Thank you.

Had a look at prices with a black cab - they are pricey….
But I’m not sure I’m ready to face buses….

Buses are hit and miss with a wheelchair. They all have a dedicated space and ramp but buses are usually ridiculously over crowded and you often can't get into the space or you essentially get trapped in there with people's rucksacks or arses rammed in your face.
Some tubes do have lifts and are step-free to get on and off the train. They are clearly marked on the map. It depends where you need to go.
Taxi is probably your best bet to be honest.

Uber or Bolt is usually cheaper than Black Cabs.

Not a wheelchair user but experience of getting around with a family member. If you want to share where you are going to go in London people might be able to offer some specific insights.

Some tube stations are fine and in the tfl app you can toggle the map to filter for step free. Black cabs are pricy but probably your easiest option.

Yes to sharing where you're going as we can help. The new Elizabeth line is step free from street to platform for all stations for example so the tube is not a complete no-go, it just depends on your route.

tfl.gov.uk/travel-information/improvements-and-projects/step-free-access

content.tfl.gov.uk/step-free-tube-guide-map.pdf

Every station with a green A is step free to the platform and also onto the train itself, no gap or step.

I’m going from KingsCross to St James park.
I’ll be heading back to the train station around 6.00pm so peak time.

But will they be able to accommodate my electric wheelchair? You can fold it but still needs a big enough boot iyswim

Can you see I have little experience of travelling around with it? 🤪🤪

@RemainAtHome St James Park isn't a step free tube station unfortunately.
I would get a cab. The buses round Kings Cross get very busy and if you aren't sure where your stop is it can be chaotic and confusing.
Hope your journey goes well 🙂

@RemainAtHome if you use Uber or Bolt you can request a wheelchair accessible cab.

There are lifts at Kings Cross and Green Park tube stations.

I regularly travel with my daughter in her manual wheelchair and staff and the general public are always very helpful.

Just beware last minute station closures and lifts out of order. Always check before you travel!

(Or you could "walk" it in under an hour. It's a lovely route. Just depends on weather, ability, batteries etc I suppose).

I think this time, I’ll stick to a cab.

When I am more confident on travelling like this, incl the range of the EWC, that could be a nice option.

I didn’t know that.
Thanks.

Also download the Free Now app! It has the same private taxis as Uber and Bolt, but you can also request black cabs on there and your fee is pre-booked so you know how much you'll be spending.

You can pre-book cabs as well if you know you are going to be travelling at a busy time.

Wheelchair user who visits London very occasionally.

Unfortunately cabs are the answer a lot of the time.

Black cabs are all wheelchair-friendly if you can stand up and fold. Use the seatbelt for the rear-facing jump-seat to secure your folded chair if you don't want it lurching around (wheelchair brake also a good thing.).

If booking a non-Black cab, do specify "I have a folding wheelchair which needs to go in the boot", otherwise you might end up waiting for a people-carrier with a ramp.

Cab drivers tend to be very experienced at dealing with wheelchairs and wobbly folk. I think we form quite a large part of their clientele - for obvious reasons!

Number 91 bus. All buses have wheelchair spaces, boarding at a major terminus helps

If you're travelling in by train, book disability assistance with the train company for ramps and general assistance.

They can usually help you if you just turn up, but things work better if you can book (though obviously that ties you to a particular train).

Also, make sure you have the assistance line number saved on your phone, in case it all goes pear-shaped and you get stranded and need to phone to be rescued.

(If you become a frequent traveller and can make a friend of the assistance staff, you may even get entrusted with the station phone number, not the call centre...)

Yes, this is a great idea. I find it really makes a difference only adding one or two new "difficult" things at a time.

TfL journey planner will let you put in your mobility needs when specifying a route.

You can go from King's Cross to green park on the Victoria line and there are lifts to platform. You could then go through the park to st James.

Buses generally are okay, they all have ramps from the middle door.

Have found black cabs to be bloody brilliant though and might be your best bet if you're nervous.

Not a wheelchair user, but my mum was and I'd get her around when she visited.

Thank you all for the advice. Very very helpful, incl the tips on taxis.
im realising I’ve never taken a taxi in London, only the tube so I’m learning there too lol.

@Lockheart downloading the app!

@PerkingFaintly , I should have the assistance on the train (well I asked for it when booking the tickets at the station). But having the number with me is a great idea too. Thank you!