I'm trying to put together a trip with a cousin who needs a walker. I think I've got my head around a lot of things, but I'm hoping there's a little something I might not have thought of. I know black cabs will play a big part in our days, and the only tube station I can think of that has a lift is Covent Garden. Are there many and I just never paid attention to them before. Thank you.
Posted by
Land of La
9265 posts
https://tfl.gov.uk/transport-accessibility/wheelchair-access-and-avoiding-stairs.
The Tfl website doesn’t address walkers. Hopefully the link provides intel about which stations have elevators. I know the Lancaster Gate station has elevators. You could use this station to access Hyde Park and the area called the Italian Gardens. There’s a small coffee hut there. Pleasant spot to enjoy coffee and people watch. Should also see a dog or two, joggers, mothers with prams. Those gates open at 5am.
Posted by
Northamptonshire, England
34010 posts
Have a good look at the map Claudia linked to. Understanding the circle code takes a couple of minutes, but now that many stations on the tube have lift access and level boarding it can be easier for lesser abled folks to get around by tube. All London buses (well nearly all) kneel, and most have a driver operated ramp at the rear/centre door. Not every driver on every bus in every circumstance can position the bus in the right place relative to the pavement to operate the ramp the most efficient way.
Posted by
Tunbridge Wells
6113 posts
I don’t have any mobility issues, but I tend to travel by bus, not underground wherever possible and they are much easier for anyone with a walker. A much cheaper option than taking taxis!
Seats at the front of buses are for people with mobility issues.
Posted by
Denver, Colorado, USA
713 posts
There are several Tube stations with lifts, including Lancaster Gate as mentioned by Claudia. However, though lifts take stair climbing out of the equation, navigating Tube stations often involves a lot of walking. Down corridors, around corners, on and on. It's great that TfL has been installing lifts, but so many of those in-station distances can be daunting for someone with mobility limitations.
It sounds like the OP has used the Tube before, and IMO is wise to expect to use black cabs for this trip with their cousin. If the OP has assessed the cousin's abilities and stamina and decided on black cabs, I'm not going to second-guess that. However I agree that if getting to and from the bus stops isn't a problem, some bus rides could be workable, if they have the correct means of cash-free payment.