Introduction: Accessible transportation is an essential component of various obligations
that constitute a fundamental part of daily life, including work, leisure, and social
participation. Engagement in these activities contributes to a sense of personal value, well
being, and overall quality of life. However, barriers in public transportation frequently
prevent wheelchair users from participating in these occupations, thereby reducing their
social inclusion. Despite their significant potential for societal integration, individuals using
wheelchairs often face limited accessibility. Purpose: The purpose of this thesis is to
examine the current state and experiences of wheelchair users with public transportation,
with a particular focus on accessibility and user satisfaction in Slovenia and the Netherlands.
Methods: The research sample consists of 130 wheelchair users, with 65 participants from
Slovenia and 65 from the Netherlands, aged between 18 and 70 years. A quantitative research
method was employed, and data were collected through a structured questionnaire
specifically designed for this study. The questionnaire comprised 27 questions. Descriptive
statistics were used to analyze the data. Results: In Slovenia, 18 participants reported using
public transportation, of whom only eight travel independently. In the Netherlands, 20
participants use public transport, with 15 doing so independently. The primary reasons for
non-use include inaccessibility, lack of adaptation, and poor connectivity. The most
commonly used mode of transportation is the city bus, typically utilized several times per
month, with an adapted personal vehicle serving as an alternative. Identified barriers include
physical and social challenges as well as insufficient information. Slovenian participants
frequently expressed dissatisfaction, stating that transportation limitations hinder their daily
activities. Discussion and conclusion: The findings highlight significant differences in
satisfaction with public transportation accessibility. Slovenian participants reported
dissatisfaction due to restricted vehicle accessibility, lack of adaptations, and inadequately
trained personnel. In contrast, Dutch participants expressed greater satisfaction, attributed to
well-developed infrastructure and systemic support. In Slovenia, wheelchair users often need
to independently adapt to transportation due to the absence of formal training and
institutional support. The Netherlands has established best practices for training individuals
in the use of public transportation. Shortcomings in the Slovenian system include the absence
of safety belts, inadequate lift platforms, and limited access to information. Occupational
therapists can contribute to improving accessibility through interdisciplinary collaboration,
infrastructure modifications, and raising awareness among users, employees, and the general
public.
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