Bus Travel
Things to Remember:
- Don't avoid bus travel if you have even limited leg use and can handle the steps with help.
- A bus remains the least expensive way to travel, so you may want to tackle the challenge despite its shortcomings.
- Check with the carrier before your trip of the best way to meet your needs.
- Never show up expecting blanket accessibility; it's not always available.
- A caregiver can be extremely helpful; strangers are often willing.
- Buses offer the possibility of wonderful sight-seeing.
- A bus tour of a city offers a chance to see the sights, let someone else do the driving and avoid worry about parking.
Margie's Personal Experience
Bus travel has always been the least accessible mode of travel for the handicapped. Thankfully, the future looks brighter. My experience on buses has been limited to tour buses and a two-week excursion in England and, though it is not a preferred mode of travel for me, each adventure has given me wonderful memories I'd not otherwise have.
Since the passage of the American Disabilities Act, bus accommodations have improved a great deal. Although positive change has been extremely slow, circumstances that must daily be faced by physically challenged individuals have improved, especially in large cities. All buses seem to have more than ample handrails. Count on it getting progressively even better, but be patient. And remember, being polite always works better than criticism.
Kent and I learned a valuable lesson after trying to board a streetcar in New Orleans in an effort to see the city and save a few cents. After three boarding attempts and no offers of assistance, we gave up. Returning to our hotel, we paid for and took a wonderful city tour that proved well worth the price in our sanity alone. From our guide’s description, we chose two places deserving a repeat visit. That evening and the next day, we went there by cab, perfectly completing our delightful New Orleans visit.
I personally would not attempt a bus tour of any kind alone; I’m just not that brave. On the other hand, with a caregiver, I’d say "Yes!" in a flash and never regret my quick decision.
