Travel in public transport

Olivier often travels by public transport. He says: “When I drive to work, I know the route inside and out. But when faced with unfamiliar paths, preparation becomes key.” Olivier highlights the importance of preparing for a trip: “I browse the Internet for timetables, search for routes in apps, or make a call. The SBB website is my first point of contact.” And even during preparation, Olivier believes that everything must be consistently barrier-free — from online research to buying tickets in the app.” This is called the so-called management chain. For example, if an alternative text that is important to me is missing from an image on a website, the screen reader cannot read out the information to me. In the worst case scenario, this means that I can't buy a ticket online, for example. At this moment, this missing alternative text is destroying my entire purchase process and I am back at the beginning. The lack of accessibility on the web can therefore hinder my trip just as much as an incorrect departure time.”

Once the ticket is purchased, it's on to the bus stop. Olivier points out: “This is where it gets tricky. Where can I find the right train? Is there a timetable with voice output? A monitor at eye level would be brilliant. And information desks that can be reached quickly.” On the train, Olivier navigates with clear signs: “For example, I want to know where the toilet is on the train. And after going to the toilet, of course, where the sink and soap are. The existing relief and/or Braille lettering helps me here.”

After arriving, Olivier must first orient himself: “Where is the next step? Is the management chain still intact? Continuous information and help is important to me down to the very last place of travel. If I need a taxi after I arrive, for example, I need to know how to find it beforehand.”

Another challenge: “Transitions are tricky. From train to bus, bus to boat — it's complicated. Assistance is only available in a few train stations, and only on a voluntary basis. I think it would be extremely important that this offering be expanded.”

For Olivier, public transport is a symbol of self-determination on his many routes. At every stage of their journey, from preparation to transfers to the destination, it is clear that accessibility is not just a convenience, but a prerequisite for autonomy. “The management chain, from planning to arrival, is crucial not only in travel, but in every stage and activity of my life. A lack of information and accessibility is not just a hurdle — in the worst case scenario, it means that I simply can't get anywhere in the middle of the route.”