Train/Tube accessibility

I have a son with a physical disability that uses a mobility scooter when we're out and about. We've had the worst time with it our first week here in London. Yes, there are "step-free" stations, but what about access on/off the train/tube? It's either a step up/down or a huge gap. The scooter weighs over 100lbs. If my DH is with us, he can help lift it on and off, but if it's just me, forget it. What are we suppose to do? Right now we're still in a hotel and trying to find a home. We're doing our best to be near a step-free station as we will be traveling to France once a week via Eurostar and will need to get to that station. Also, does anyone know about the station in Lille (France)?  Really missing ADA right now.

I'm not sure about London, but I know that up here you can notify a worker that you'll need assistance getting on the train and off of it at your destination station and they can call ahead to have someone ready when you get there.

I've been to the Eurostar station in Lille but I'm afraid I didn't pay much attention to how easy it would be for a disabled person. I did, however, find this article which might give you some useful information.

I have always said that the tube was really bad for mobility issues.  Even just with a stroller/pram it was a nightmare.  I lived on the northern line and then moved to the Jubillee line and that was much better.  The gaps weren't as high/wide and most stations had elevators.  I think the Picadilly line is also one of the better ones.  You might try overground trains too.  There are quite a few neighbourhoods in North london with overground stations that go straight into Kings' cross.  

I don't know where you plan to live in London but if it is within zone 1, taking black cabs may be a good alternative.  They have little ramps that pull down and the drivers may help you in and out.

Sadly the infrastructure and architecture of London, doesn't always lend itself to being accessible.  Maybe try taking a day and going out without your son and scoping out some of the routes you will be taking and asking the tube staff for tips on where you have noticed trouble.  It may be a case of knowing to ride in the third carriage of that particular train has the least gap, etc.   If it's not rush hour, they should be able to get someone to help you out.  

I'm not sure about London, but I know that up here you can notify a worker that you'll need assistance getting on the train and off of it at your destination station and they can call ahead to have someone ready when you get there.

I've often times seen a worker standing on the side with a ramp that they scoot up to the door when the train arrives. 

I remark all the time at how difficult the tube is if you have mobility issues, the other day the lift at Hammersmith was broken and I overheard a tube worker telling a guy he'd have to go to another station O_O there isn't one for ages on that line If you need help getting on and off the tube trains themselves you need to call ahead so they can get the ramp out to help you on/off.

London just isn't designed for it really and because it's so old they can't retrofit it in at most places, however, the London buses are MUCH better for wheelchairs etc, especially if you stay away from bendy bus routes, many of the buses now have the drop ramp so you can wheel straight on and there's space for your wheelchairs. I would say the bus is your friend so look for places on bus routes rather than tube routes.

Otherwise it's black cabs....which gets expensive or consider an electric car that you can drive and park around London (you know the tiny ones!)

London buses are MUCH better for wheelchairs etc, especially if you stay away from bendy bus routes, many of the buses now have the drop ramp so you can wheel straight on and there's space for your wheelchairs. I would say the bus is your friend so look for places on bus routes rather than tube routes.

I very much second this! Buses are incredibly accommodating - and I actually think they're more reliable than the tube. Here's a map of all buses serving St Pancras International to start your search for a location: http://www.tfl.gov.uk/tfl/gettingaround/maps/buses/pdf/st.pancrasinternational-2225.pdf

Thanks all!!  We have had much better success with buses, except when the drivers refuse to let him on b/c it's a scooter/electric or they completely ignore us pressing the disabled disembark button requiring me to try to get their attention to put out the ramp before driving off.

They are only allowed to have so many on at a time with chairs, so perhaps they aren't ignoring you on purpose. 

What about living on the DLR?

Is the DLR accessible for people with mobility impairments?
Yes. The DLR network was the first fully accessible railway in the UK and provides step-free entrance and exits to all stations and trains, making journeys much easier for people using wheelchairs, with prams or carrying heavy bags.

There's some nice places on the DLR, it's much cheaper to live out east as well.

Might be worth checking with abellio and confirming your son's chair is acceptable and then you can tell the driver that when you get on. According to tfl - Most wheelchairs, including motorised types, will fit onto buses but motorised scooters with handlebars can't be carried onto buses.
So as long as it isn't that type you should be fine, maybe print out the page?

I have some medical equipment which is allowed to be used in flight but flight attendant's knowledge is patchy and I have had it taken off me before, so I eneded up getting a note just to stop it being such a hassle every time.


Have you read through everything on the tfl site? You'll probably get a lot of answers there, sounds like more research is needed.

http://www.tfl.gov.uk/gettingaround/transportaccessibility/1167.aspx

If you need a one off trip, sounds like you can do this for free - http://www.tfl.gov.uk/gettingaround/3222.aspx

I know you mentioned missing the ADA- please try your local Dial - hopefully they can help.