Accessibility options remain limited around the world. While there has been a great improvement in recent years to make the world more accessible to people with disabilities, we still have a long way to go.
Accessible transit routes on Google Maps
Traveling by public transport is not easy, and if you have a disability it can be more difficult to get from point A to point B. You can make things easier with Google Maps. It can provide you with accessible transit routes to your destination, as long as they are available.
Find accessible transit routes on Google Maps
To find accessible transit routes on Google Maps, follow these steps.
- Open Google Maps on your phone.
- Enter a destination and tap the Directions button.
- Once the instructions load, tap the public transport button.
- Touch Options.
- Tap the Wheelchair option.
- Regrese a Google Maps.
- The app will now display accessible routes.
What are wheelchair accessible routes?
The routes that you see when filtering them by accessibility are routes where you will find ramps and elevators that allow you to move easily if you are in a wheelchair. Non-accessible routes tend to have stairs or escalators that are impossible to use if you are in a wheelchair. If you need to purchase a ticket before boarding public transport, you will also find counters or kiosks that are easier to use.
Limitations
Google Maps can find accessible routes where available. Unfortunately, accessibility is still rare in most parts of the world, and many countries lack it entirely. On top of that, public transportation itself is not the best everywhere. If you live in a country where both public transportation and accessibility don’t get the attention they need, Google Maps really can’t help you.
conclusion
For now, accessibility options are available for public transportation and only for those who use a wheelchair. If you don’t use public transportation or use shared transportation services, you won’t find much help. If, for example, you are visually impaired, Google Maps will not be able to tell you where Braille directions are available. To Google’s credit, the company has been working with transit companies to collect this information and keep it up to date. Likewise, public transport companies have been adding and improving accessibility options. There is still a long way to go to help make the world more accessible to all types of people.