Bus system

Many persons with physical disabilities who use wheelchairs said that they rarely use the bus system.[127] Those who do attempt to use buses often rely on the help of strangers, family members, or friends. Both BRT and regular buses generally are not accessible for many persons with disabilities. Few buses have adjustable doorsteps to allow people who use wheelchairs, crutches, or walkers to board.[128] The platforms for boarding BRT buses often have steps to reach them and do not have ramps.[129]

Many said that even when a bus is equipped with adjustable doorsteps, drivers often do not know how to adjust the door and open the ramp.[130] For example, Hassan, a 27-year-old wheelchair user in Karaj said, “When I explain to them the existence of a ramp, or when my mother opens it, drivers and other passengers are often surprised. They tell us that they were not aware of such an option before.” Hassan described one incident when his mother was trying to open the ramp for him to board the bus, the bus driver closed the door and left Hassan on the platform with his mother on the bus. [131]

Fatemeh, a woman with a physical disability who uses a wheelchair, said, “When I notice that people do not have the time or knowledge to open the ramp, I ask someone to lift me on and off the bus in my wheelchair. It’s really difficult. Sometimes I have to let five or six buses pass, before I can get assistance to board the bus.[132]