Transport and Disability: The Facts DFI Factsheet - Transport

Issued on March 1 2017

Access to transport remains a critical barrier for people with disabilities in Ireland. While public transport services are improving, the Cost of Disability and the practical difficulties of daily travel continue to impact independent living.

  • According to Census 2022, 1,109,557 people in Ireland (22% of the population) have a long-lasting condition or difficulty.

  • "Difficulty participating in other activities, such as leisure or using transport" was the most common difficulty reported by people with disabilities in the 2022 Census (31.5% of those with a disability).

The financial burden:

  • People with disabilities face significant extra costs of living, estimated at €9,482 – €11,734 per year (Indecon Report, 2021).

  • Transport and mobility are cited as major contributors to these costs, alongside care and specialized equipment.

Public Transport Services: 2025 Updates

The following service specifications and statistics have been provided by Transport for Ireland, TFI as of May 2025. Please see full TFI report here.

🚍 Bus Services

  • 100% accessible fleet: All buses and coaches on TFI services (Dublin Bus, Go-Ahead, Bus Éireann) are now wheelchair accessible.

  • Key features: Low floors, separate wheelchair and buggy spaces, yellow grab rails, and induction loops are standard.

  • Audio and visual aids: "Next stop" announcements (visual and audible) are active on nearly all services. The final 5% of Bus Éireann services will be equipped by Q2 2025.

  • Stops & Shelters:

    • Accessibility ratings: The TFI app now displays an accessibility rating for every bus stop in Ireland.

    • Upgrades: 195 shelters have been upgraded with seating and high-visibility armrests; over 900 now have solar lighting for safety.

🚆 Rail (Irish Rail and DART)

  • Notice times:

    • 1 hour: Required at 14 major InterCity stations (e.g., Connolly, Heuston, Cork, Galway).

    • 4 hours: Required for DART and Commuter services.

    • 12 hours: Remains the standard for other stations.

  • Station access: 52 stations have had lifts renovated or replaced since 2020.

  • Sensory support: A "Quieter Coach" is available on Dublin-Cork services, and a sensory pod pilot is operational at Kent Station, Cork.

🚕 Taxis and rural transport

  • Accessible taxis: The wheelchair-accessible taxi fleet has grown to 4,055 vehicles (approx. 24% of the national fleet), up from just 850 in 2014.

  • Rural transport (Local Link): 95% of Local Link services (both scheduled and door-to-door) now use wheelchair-accessible vehicles.

🦮 Assistance and safety schemes

  • Travel Assistance Scheme: Free service teaching independent travel (aged 18+). Available in Dublin, Cork, Limerick, Waterford, and Galway.

  • JAM Card: "Just A Minute" discreet card for those with communication barriers (15,000+ distributed).

  • Please offer me a seat: Badge/card for passengers with invisible disabilities.

  • Feedback: TFI now conducts bi-annual "Mystery Shopper" surveys specifically involving passengers with disabilities to monitor service quality.