According to a decision from the Discrimination Ombudsman (DO), a man was forced to crawl onto the bus on nine occasions last year when accessibility failed. The incidents occurred between February and July 2025. Bus drivers could not or would not use the wheelchair lift, or the lift was broken.
According to major media reports, drivers tried to lift the man against his will on some occasions. The region has until March 6 to respond to DO's demand for compensation. If the region does not pay, DO can take the case to the district court.
DO has repeatedly noted that people using wheelchairs are limited in their access to public transport, which is a disadvantage under discrimination law, according to Karin Henriksson, section head at DO's legal unit. The specific individual involved is Åke Ericson, 21, who is wheelchair-bound and has been forced to crawl into Region Örebro's buses multiple times, reports major media. ' He added, 'I crawl often.
It is a luxury for me that I can crawl and that I have strong enough arms to be able to do it. ' Region Örebro has repeatedly failed in the accessibility adaptation of its regional buses, according to major media. Problems arise when the bus lift does not work or when drivers do not have sufficient training to use the lift.
I fully understand that one feels wrongly treated. It has certainly not been any ambition from our side or from the drivers' side.
Åke Ericson got fed up and started reporting the incidents with the help of a friend. He has applied for special transport service but has not yet received a response. Therefore, he is forced to take the bus.
Ericson said, 'If the region makes it very difficult to get special transport service and very difficult to use buses, there are no options left. ' After DO determined that wheelchair-bound Åke Ericson was discriminated against in connection with bus trips in the county, Region Örebro admits shortcomings in accessibility for people with disabilities. The region must now pay Åke Ericson 100,000 kronor in discrimination compensation, according to a decision from DO.
' He added, 'I fully understand that one feels wrongly treated. ' Eliasson also said, 'It should absolutely not happen like this when you take the bus. ' To address the problems, the region has ensured that all drivers of the procured bus company have undergone new training in operating the lift.
They have also implemented extra checks on the lifts to ensure they work. ' However, he acknowledged, 'I cannot promise that nothing will break down sometime. ' Åke Ericson emphasized that drivers are not to blame, saying, 'Drivers are not trying to be mean.
' He explained, 'Stressed people have a hard time doing a good job. ' The case highlights ongoing challenges in public transport accessibility, with the region now facing financial and legal consequences for its failures.