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Practical information

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Naturally, you want to travel smoothly by bus or tram even if you are travelling with a wheelchair or a (visual) impairment. You can find all the practical information that may assist you to make your trip easier, here.

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Travelling with a wheelchair? Advance booking is no longer required.

You have a choice:

  • you can check the accessibility status of the stops where you will be getting on and off on the De Lijn website or app;
  • or you can contact the dial-a-bus switchboard to let us know about your planned trip.

You can travel with a wheelchair if the stops where you will be getting on and off have at least ‘accessible with assistance’ status and the reserved wheelchair space on the vehicle is available.

Most vehicles are accessible. However, if you want to be sure of the vehicle’s accessibility status, do contact the dial-a-bus switchboard to let us know about your planned trip.

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Conditions for travel with a wheelchair or rollator

To be able to travel safely by bus or tram, the wheelchair must meet a number of conditions:

  • Max. 130 cm long
  • Max. 80 cm wide
  • Max. 300 kg in weight (incl. user)

A mobility scooter is not permitted because you cannot anchor it securely and because it is less manoeuvrable than an electric wheelchair.

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Other practical tips for a smooth journey

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How can I register to take a bus or tram with a wheelchair?

To take the bus or tram with your wheelchair, you can let the dial-a-bus switchboard know about your planned journey. However, this is not a requirement.

  • Get in touch at least 1 day before your journey.
  • State the date, the time of departure and the stops where you will be getting on and off.
  • The switchboard operator will check whether the stops are accessible, make a note of your information and pass it on to the relevant driver.
Where can I find information about the accessibility of my stop(s)?

Whether a stop is accessible or not depends on a number of characteristics such as the height of the platform, the incline of the slope or the presence of tactile paving.
You can check the accessibility status of your stop on this website, at the stops themselves and in the leaflets of the 5 More Mobile Lines. A stop may be accessible to people with:

  • a mobility impairment
  • a mobility impairment, with assistance from your carer 
  • a visual impairment

Would you like to see the accessibility status of the stops when searching on this website? Then set your preferences here.

Are all vehicles accessible?

Most vehicles are accessible, but not yet all.

  • All of De Lijn’s own buses will become accessible in the course of 2020.
  • The operators will follow a little later.
  • New trams are replacing the inaccessible PCC trams. 85% of trams will be accessible by 2025.

A bus or tram is considered accessible when it is equipped with a low floor, a ramp and a wheelchair platform.

Will the driver help me, as a wheelchair user, with getting on and off?
  • The driver will put out the ramp for you if necessary. This may also be done by your companion or a fellow-passenger.
  • You may enter the vehicle on your own or with the help of a companion.
  • It is important for your wheelchair to remain stable during the journey. You should therefore always use the wheelchair space provided and position yourself with your back against the panel.

What requirements must my wheelchair meet for a safe journey?

Am I entitled to a reduced rate?
Depending on your personal situation, it is possible that you may receive a discount or even travel free by bus or tram. If you travel with a carer, then he or she can travel for free. Check the overview of discounts.
What if I need extra assistance?

OV-buddies

Do you have an impairment and find it difficult to take public transport? Then you can count on the OV-buddies. They are enthusiastic volunteers from TreinTramBus in the Ghent region who help teach people how to use the bus or tram. The OV-buddies can provide one-off support or help you to practice a particular route, so that you are able to do it independently after a while. 

Like to know more?
buddywerking@treintrambus.be
09 223 86 12

BlueAssist

BlueAssist is a tool in the form of a simple blue card or smartphone application. If you have difficulty communicating, BlueAssist can help. You can ask your question to other passengers or the driver using a card or the app. That allows you to ask your question, even if you find it difficult to speak. Our drivers are familiar with the tool and are happy to help you. More information about the tool is available from the  BlueAssist website.

The driver will help you find your way

A driver must always stop the vehicle if he sees you at a stop with a white stick and ask you where you want to go. The driver will also let you know when you have reached the destination. 

If you are travelling with a wheelchair, the driver will extend the ramp and allow the bus to kneel (so that the level difference is lower). You can then board the vehicle yourself or with the assistance of a carer.

Assistance dog

If you have an assistance dog to guide you, your dog may travel for free on the bus or tram.

Who can I contact with comments or questions?
We are bound by European regulations for the accessibility of our provision. You can find all the information about the accessibility of our provision on this website.
Do you still have questions? Let us know via the online contact form.

© 2020 De Lijn - Vlaamse Vervoermaatschappij Auteursrecht