Addis Ababa Light Rail Ramp Closure Restricts Access for People With Disabilities

August 14, 2026
By Mintesinot Nigussie

A ramp designed to provide access to Addis Ababa’s light rail system for wheelchair and crutch users has remained closed for nearly five years, restricting transport options for people with disabilities, Sheger Radio reported.

The Addis Ababa Light Rail Transport Service said the ramp was closed because it had relatively few users and had been associated with safety incidents involving people attempting to enter through it. The service said it is working to address complaints about a ramp in the Hayat area.

The issue was raised by the Federation of Ethiopian Associations of Persons with Disabilities (FEAPD) after complaints from its members. Tesema Sebsebe, chairman of the association’s board, said the problem had persisted for years and had become a significant concern for people relying on accessible transport.

The association contacted the light rail operator about the matter and was told that corrective measures would be taken, Tesema said. Nearly two months had passed without a further response, according to the report.

People with disabilities told Sheger Radio that the closure had forced some of them to stop using the light rail. They said the stations have conventional stairways as well as ramps designed for wheelchair and crutch users.

Some users also alleged that requests to security personnel to open the closed ramp had resulted in confrontations, including physical assault.

Berhan Abebaw, chief executive of the Addis Ababa Light Rail Transport Service, told Sheger Radio that the operator could reopen the ramp if its closure was creating significant difficulties for users. The service would assign sufficient security personnel to manage access, he said.

The operator said it had received a complaint through the disability association concerning the ramp near Hayat and was working on a solution.

Source: FSX Business News