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Before a disabled
traveler decides to travel by road or rail, one
thing to keep in mind is that the provision of
facilities for disabled person in coaches,
taxis, hire cars and trains differs considerably
from one country to another. Even where there
are specially adapted vehicles, these may not be
available on all routes and may only be
available only for a few major locations. Having
a disabled person in car or having a disabled person
in train means that extra facilities is required to
ensure that their trip is as hassle free as
possible. Before traveling, always check with the necessary
carrier to obtain further information. If a
disabled is driving a car, always check for the
availability for a parking lot allocated for the
disabled.
Trains nowadays are
quipped with facilities to cater for people with
disability and rail companies have done a lot to
improve the service offered to disabled
passengers. Certain railway stations may provide
leaflets detailing the services available to
disabled passengers at their information desk.
Most of the time, blind or partially-sighted
passengers may be given discounts on their
tickets and they may be accompanied by one
assistant who is usually entitled to the same
discounts. Guide dogs accompanying blind people
are always conveyed free of charge.
Rail companies is
known to be able to give various types of
assistance to disabled passengers if necessary
arrangements is made in advance. Therefore it is
advisable to contact the railway station before
traveling. There are also cabs which are
equipped to carry wheelchairs. So, call the taxi
company to check if such facilities is available
before deciding which cab to take. More and more
trains, trams and tube trains are now accessible
to disabled people which allows them to travel
in safety and also with reasonable comfort.
Where there are no special facilities provided,
it may still be possible for a disabled person
to travel by road or rail, always make sure prior
notification is given to the operator by detailing precise
routes and timing. Help may then be given at the
moment needed.
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