Portugal unsuitable for people with reduced mobility (!?)

TGCampo Serial expat

Member since 30 August 2023

TGCampoSerial expat06 September 2024 07:23:59

256

Very recently I - again - noticed that Portugal isn't a country for people with a reduced mobility. Almost everywhere the walking surfaces are of very bad quality and state of maintenance. Walking on these might result in orthopedi problems. Sidewalks either don't existant or they might be not wide enough for a wheelchair. Many buses, trains and metrostations are not wheelchair accessible. Often escalator don't function. The sad thing is that this has not changed much over the past 10 years.

Everybody planning to move to Portugal should be aware of this as it might have an impact on everyday life.

JohnnyPT Portugal Expert

Member since 23 May 2020

JohnnyPTPortugal Expert06 September 2024 08:18:37

4823

Hi Tom,

There has been progress in public transport accessibility. Almost all the metro stations in Lisbon and Porto have elevators. Buses and fast trams have deal with accessibility issues too. The biggest accessibility problem is on the older sidewalks in the older parts of cities. When there's been some urban redevelopment, the city councils have taken care to make the pavements accessible. Unfortunately, there is still a lot of work to be done in sidewalks and public buildings.聽 And lack of money too ...

TGCampo Serial expat

Member since 30 August 2023

TGCampoSerial expat06 September 2024 09:26:53

256

@JohnnyPT There has been some progress. However, it might not be sufficient for persons with mobility issues to feel comfortable. As long as there is a good awareness of the issue among tourists and migrants there is no problem. Interstingly, most driving surfaces are in much better condition than those used for walking.

Funding improvements is always difficult, but I see lots of money being spent on cycle pathes in areas where they are not needed (maybe due to EU co-funding), while the above is address with much less vigor.

Jean Denise Contributor

Member since 06 October 2020

Jean DeniseContributor06 September 2024 10:03:17

195

I have limited mobility and live in portugal and I manage to get around ok, yes the pavements could do with being sorted, but saying that I went back to the UK in June for a long weekend and some of their pavements are no better.

i would not be put off if I was thinking of moving to Portugal it just takes awareness from the individual of their surrounding and understand their own capabilities, I have used the buses and trains and had no problems.

Strontium Serial expat

Member since 27 April 2019

StrontiumSerial expat06 September 2024 15:16:18

382

Portugal, and other places, are suitable for people to spend time making up their own minds and decide for themselves, ie being an adult and making your own decisions.

TGCampo Serial expat

Member since 30 August 2023

TGCampoSerial expat07 September 2024 05:51:04

256

聽聽 Portugal, and other places, are suitable for people to spend time making up their own minds and decide for themselves, ie being an adult and making your own decisions.

聽聽 -@Strontium

Did anybody say anything else? Or do you want to say that in this forum one should only praise Portugal and never mention any issues that might be worth considering.