Transport Accessibility in London

Transport Accessibility in London
http://www.tfl.gov.uk/transport-accessibility/

A superb webpage, aiding us to use any mode of public transport. Supplier of invaluable help and guidance.

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A piece of mind...

Baroness Grey Thompson attempts to reassure all.

This may be a carefully edited video, showing examples of the best around, but it is entirely correct in what it states, and correctly encourages increased support for TFL.

that 'sign'

I must state that I make this note, as an entirely personal opinion, not claiming to represent the view of a certain organisation. A wheelchair user myself (for the past 7 years, and currently) I feel very confident  in noticing/understanding many of the  messages that TransportforLondon(TfL) provide to the disabled.
I feel that many of the difficult problems that are tackled, all involve the  general public awareness towards problems faced by disabled.

One boards a bus, in a wheelchair, and one is ‘re-assured’ by being greeted by 'that' sign.

We look at the sign, assuming that we can read English, we read
‘Buggies can use this area if it is not needed by a wheelchair user’
‘Please move out of the wheelchair priority area if necessary’
‘Buggies may need to be folded at busy times’

Three statements. Nowhere, does it claim that they are enforced laws, or rules. These three statements can be misread and misinterpreted, so easily. Public reaction always varies. As we don’t want to create further problems, perhaps it is best not to insist on, or enforce, laws. This would generate a further negative division between disabled users, and the general public. By using the word ‘Please’, TfL are immediately lowering themselves, raising the status of the general public, and perhaps demeaning the disabled. We don't want a divisive law created, so no 'Must'. Hmmm.
Perhaps an alternative directive verb should be found?
By re-wording the statements, into such, public perceptions will be altered effectively.

'Buggies should not use this area if it is needed by a wheelchair user'
'One should move out of the wheelchair priority area, if it is required'
'Fold buggies at busy times'

22 percent

public awareness...

... is being raised!

Well, it has been discovered that the general public awareness, of wheelchairs among everyone in society, is increasing, slowly but surely. By displaying posters, such as the one above, TFL are showing their willing attitude to help wheelchair users, is ever increasing, and should be copied by the general public.

Thank you TFL.

The blue signage within buses, can still be misinterpreted by individuals. Are TFL displaying rules or suggestions? Only suggestions, but the key is to promote public awareness, helping to create a change in public attitude.

Access the Tube

Access the Tube

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UVJl2IKLa1U

...Hmmm. This is all very well and good, but The Mayor of London plans to cut the  number of station staff, so...?...

Obeying the rules...

I was at a 57 bus stop (direction Kingston), yesterday, when I became pleasantly surprised, witnessing passengers playing by the rules!
A bus arrived at the stop that I was at. No warning by the driver, so I began to position myself to board. The bus stops, the boarding ramp ejects from the side. I am ready.
Hold on, there are two buggies using the 'wheelchair' section. Damn! No room.
But both owners of both buggies are repositioning on the bus, to give me room! Yahoo!
Finally! This is a momentous occasion! For the first time (in about 7 years of wheelchair use), I witness the general public obeying TFL ideas re. wheelchair spaces on buses. I accept the offer with glee!
Hmm... Is public awareness improving? 
:)

... The Tube...

Finally, I travelled on a tube train, last week. Ok, it was a short, one-way trip, but successful proof to myself that such a journey can be made by wheelchair. I journeyed using 'overground train', into Waterloo. I have then taken the London Underground, one stop, northwards on the Jubilee line, to Westminster. 

I will record such a trip, reporting stages photographically, soon. Now, personally I have 'achieved' this, I will retrace my journey in the future. 

I do know, however, that this tube line is undergoing maintenance work currently until the summer, so my further investigation will have to wait.