RTL puts tram, funicular accessibility to the test

The tram is able to transport up to 10,000 people an hour. But in 2018, the tram should also be accessible for everyone. RTL Luxembourg wondered to what extent the tram and funicular train are prepared for the needs of people with disabilities. How challenging is it to use the tram and the funicular train if you're blind or wheelchair-bound?

In order to answer that question, the RTL Luxembourg team decided to test the tram out with the help of Patrick, who is blind, and Philippe, who uses a wheelchair.

Patrick has been blind since birth and lives in Mersch. When he needs to go to Kirchberg, the easiest way is to take the train to Pfaffenthaland then take the funicular to the tram.

Patrick said that so far, he has been lucky when using the tram. It has been relatively empty, which has allowed him to quickly find a seat.

However, Info Handicap, a site that provides information relating to accessibility in places ranging from restaurants to stations, has flagged up the issue of bars in the middle of the tram that could be an impediment to blind people.

Philippe has used a wheelchair since the age of two months due to paraplegia. His experience of using the tram and funicular train was a positive one, as the issues relating to wheelchair access differ to those of people who have impaired sight.

RTL Luxembourg's conclusion the government has clearly made it a priority to make the tram and funicular train more accessible. However, the tram and funicular have only recently been launched. People with disabilities hope that anything that has been forgotten can be dealt with.