- A wheelchair user demonstrated severe accessibility failures on PRASA's new Metrorail trains in a viral video
- The commuter urged rail authorities to adjust train platform gaps to ensure safe and independent access for commuters with disabilities
- Social media users rallied behind his message, calling for infrastructure upgrades and increased accountability regarding public transport
Source: Instagram
A viral video recorded on a Metrorail platform placed a spotlight on the severe accessibility challenges faced by South Africans living with disabilities when attempting to board public trains. The clip, uploaded on 13 October 2026 by Instagram account @kasi_hustlers_sa, showed a man using a power wheelchair demonstrating how impossible it is to board PRASA’s new "People’s Train" independently due to the height difference and gap between the platform floor and the carriage entrance.
Wheelchair user calls out PRASA infrastructure gaps
In the video clip, the man—identifying himself as a representative for persons with disabilities—gestured directly to the open doors of a parked blue Metrorail train while addressing rail officials and spectators. He demonstrated that despite modern interiors, the vertical step height and horizontal platform gap prevented wheelchair users from entering without manual lifting from others.
He urged PRASA to address pavement heights and carriage step-downs so commuters with physical impairments can travel with dignity rather than facing constant safety risks and physical barriers. A fellow commuter on crutches also joined the video to show solidarity with the concerns.
Watch the man share his concerns in the Instagram reel below:
Mzansi reacts to rail accessibility challenge
Social media users reacted with strong support for the commuter, debating infrastructure standards and calling for urgent solutions from transport authorities. While many expressed anger at public transport design flaws, others suggested technical adjustments to improve train platforms.
@_togukazi commented:
"In other countries, this would be a lawsuit."
@quullvn suggested:
"Solution: one area of the platform should be elevated to the height level of the train/cars doors, where it will be simple for a wheelchair user."
3 Briefly News articles about physically challenged people
- A compassionate man in a wheelchair won the hearts of online users after stepping up to feed and care for his elderly neighbour's cats while she was away.
- Differently abled athlete Mqondisi Ntshangase received complimentary medical monitoring and essential support from healthcare workers at Hibiscus Hospital Scottburgh during his extraordinary 5,000-kilometre, nine-province walk on a single leg.
- An inspirational young man living with a physical disability captivated online users by sharing his journey toward achieving his dreams despite life's obstacles.
Source: Briefly News
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