Accessible public transport
We're committed to ensuring that Metlink services are accessible for everyone, regardless of age or mobility.
Accessible buses
Several features of our Metlink services are designed especially to help people who are disabled or of limited mobility to take public transport.
Buses
All Valley Flyer, GO Wellington, Mana Coach Services, and Newlands Coach Service buses are wheelchair-accessible using ramps, where the bus stop allows. Buses are not accessible for mobility scooters.
Valley Flyer and GO Wellington have some kneeling buses. These buses can expel air out of their suspension on one side to reduce the step height. To get a bus to kneel, simply ask the bus driver. Kneeling buses are not route-specific.
Trains
Accessibility for wheelchairs and mobility scooters on trains will be improved substantially when the new Matangi trains start to arrive in late 2010. Every second car of the new two-car units will have a low floor area. In this area there is no step up at the door, and the area is designed especially to accommodate wheelchairs and mobility scooters.
Accessibility on the existing trains is outlined below.
Paraparaumu, Hutt Valley and Wairarapa lines
Wairarapa train wheelchair hoist
Most of these trains are fitted with wheelchair ramps, have a designated wheelchair space and are able to carry wheelchair and mobility aids that meet the following criteria:
- Wheelchairs/mobility scooters up to 65cm wide and 112cm long can be conveyed on most services (please note the time restrictions for mobility scooters below.
- Wheelchairs/mobility scooters must be able to turn within a 95cm radius.
- The collective weight of the wheelchair/mobility scooter, passenger and helper must not exceed 300kg when using the ramp.
- Wheelchairs/mobility scooters must be in a safe and good working condition.
- Luggage and bags must not be attached to the wheelchair/mobility scooter, especially when using the ramp.
- Wheelchair/mobility scooter users must provide their own helper if manual lifting and heavy handling of the wheelchair/mobility scooters is required. Train staff will not operate mobility scooters.
- Wheelchairs/mobility scooters must be secured in the allocated space using the restraints with wheelchair brakes applied. In the case of powered aids, the power is to be switched off.
- Mobility scooter will not be accepted on any services between the hours of 6.30am to 9am and 3.30pm to 6.30pm Monday to Friday inclusive.
- Taita to Wellington services operating in the peak period on the Hutt Valley Line (refer to timetable for details), are unable to carry wheelchairs and mobility scooters.
Johnsonville line
The train fleet on this line, varies design from the vehicles used on the Paraparaumu and Upper Hutt lines. However, the new Matangi trains will begin running on this line in 2011.
Currently only one train on this line can carry wheelchairs or mobility scooters and the same conditions apply as those above.
If you would like to know in advance what scheduled service this train may be used for, please contact Metlink. You can make advance arrangements for this service, ideally at least 24 hours notice would be helpful.
Platform heights at all of the stations on this line are being upgraded in preparation for the new trains. However, until they are running, you need to bring a helper with you if you or your wheelchair/mobility scooter need to be manually lifted or heavy pushing of the wheelchair/mobility scooter is involved.
When the new trains arrive, from next year, every second car of each two-car unit will be accessible for wheelchairs and mobility scooters.
Melling line
The design of the rolling stock that we use on these lines does not enable us to provide access or designated spaces for wheelchairs and mobility scooters. You therefore cannot travel in a wheelchair or a mobility scooter on these services.
If you do wish to use a folding wheelchair you must bring enough helpers to allow you to travel safely, including getting onto the trains, changing where necessary and leaving the train at your destination. Your helper (s) must store the folded wheelchair if necessary.
Again, when the new trains are running on this line, every second car will be totally accessible for wheelchairs and mobility scooters.
Harbour ferry
There is limited capability for wheel chair access. The crew always make every effort to ensure wheel chair users can come on board. Motorised wheel chairs in particular are very difficult as crew have to lift them on board. In most cases top deck access is available as the wheelchair can be wheeled or lifted up the gangway and this allows disembarkation from the top deck on outlying wharves.
Hearing Loops
These are available on trains in the designated area for wheelchairs and mobility scooters.
Total Mobility
If you are unable to use buses and trains because of a permanent disability, you may apply to join the Total Mobility scheme, which provides subsidised taxi travel. For more information about Total Mobility, contact Metlink on 0800 801 700.