Wheelchair gaps on train/subway cars
Wheelchair gaps on train/subway cars
Hi! I’m a wheelchair user, and I’m currently traveling in Japan (Tokyo/kyoto/osaka). I’m able to pop a wheelie to get into and out of subway cars, but if I don’t ask for help (where they bring me a ramp), I can’t figure out which cars have a space for a wheelchair. I awkwardly blocked the walkway last time, and I want to do better!
I’m not quite sure where I’m going, a lot of the time, and requesting access really locks me into a particular station to disembark. I strongly prefer the flexibility of not having to get the full ramp/assistance package!
I’ve seen icons on the floor along the platform for Priority Seats, but they’re generally only chairs, and don’t have a gap!
Thanks y’all!
- 4 Replies
Unfortunately, I’m not sure there is an easy answer!
Even the same company has the accessible carriage in different spots depending on the train line, and there can be different configurations (ie 8-carriage and 10-carriage) on the same platform at different times…
Maybe you can just ask the staff which carriage it is but say you don’t need assistance?
Josh is correct, there’s no simple solution to the location of the wheelchair space. What I found was that if there were no signs on the platform barriers look on the platform edge to see if there’s a strip of black rubber extending it for easier access. This isn’t the perfect answer but it’ will at least make it easier to get on board. We did find on some lines in Tokyo that there was more than one company operating trains so we had the issue you are having.
Hi I found website of Tokyo metro subway about wheelchair space in train.
https://www.kotsu.metro.tokyo.jp/subway/kanren/barrierfree.html
This site explain Mita and Oedo line fix wheelchair space.
And also there are gap information between home and train.
On the other hand, traveler using wheelchair tell me that sometime JR forget to support to set slope.
As that time, she tell people nearby help getting off when arrive station.
Someone may help.
It may not perfect, but I hope it will help .
Best Regards
@viccro Hi Viccro-san,
If you can translate and read Japanese language sites,
You can find the location of wheelchair spaces on all local trains/subways around Tokyo on this site!
We hope you enjoy your trip in Japan!
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