International Paralympic Committee (IPC) President Andrew Parsons has welcomed Monday’s landmark commitment from President of the Il-de-France region, Valérie Pécresse, to make the Paris Metro transport system accessible for all, stating its delivery could be Paris’ greatest Paralympic legacy.
President Pécresse called on Monday to deliver a new horizon for transport in the Ile-de-France region: a metro for all, upgraded to ensure access for people with disabilities. The project is estimated to cost between EUR 15 and 20 billion and be delivered over two decades.
Parsons said this announcement was a clear example of how the Paralympic Movement can act as a powerful catalyst for change.
Andrew Parsons, IPC President, said: “The announcement by Il-de-France region is a clear example of how Change Starts with Sport, and how hosting the Paralympic Games triggers significant changes that will benefit millions of people for generations to come.
“Hosting the Paralympic Games has put discussions about the accessibility of the metro high on the news agenda and it is wonderful to hear Il-de-France make this visionary announcement. The key now is to bring all the parties together to make this vision a reality.
“With every city that hosts the Paralympics, we see the step-changes made in thinking and planning for the Games, ultimately leading to long-term attitudinal shifts.
“An accessible metro system for Paris would be the greatest Paralympic Games legacy that Paris could deliver to their own people, and people across the world that love to visit this iconic city,” he said.
Parsons said the announcement was the next step in upgrading the public transport system in Paris, following investment by the City of Paris to make all overground transport accessible.
“It is incredible to see how far Paris has come over the past seven years, making the city more accessible in preparation for the Paralympics.
“Paris now has a public bus system that is 100 per cent accessible and during the Games there will also be an accessible taxi fleet for people with disabilities.
“Paris also has one of the most well-connected train networks in the world, however metro station accessibility has been a constant challenge for people with disabilities to navigate due to heritage stations with stairs.
“Upgrading the metro so it is accessible to all will transform how people with disabilities experience Paris and create a blueprint for other European cities to follow suit,” Mr Parsons said.
The IPC President acknowledged that upgrading the Paris Metro System would be a significant challenge and cost that would require the united support of all levels of government over a lengthy period.
“We are aware there is much work to be done to turn this commitment from the President of Il-de-France into reality. We look forward to hearing from both the Government of France and the Council of Paris to understand their support for this project as well,” he said.
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