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PhrasesOn the MetroLa stazione è accessibile con la sedia a rotelle?
B1formal

La stazione è accessibile con la sedia a rotelle?

Is the station accessible by wheelchair?

Pronunciation

'Rotelle' — ro-TEL-le. Double 'l' is held slightly; final 'e' is open and clear.

When to use it

Ask before arriving at a station, especially in Rome where many older stations lack lifts. Call the transport authority or check online before planning the journey.

What it means

'Accessibile' is an adjective of accessibility derived from 'accesso'. 'Sedia a rotelle' literally means chair with wheels — a wheelchair. The phrase 'con la' (with the) rather than 'per la' (for the) is the more natural construction here.

Variations

C'è un ascensore?

Is there a lift?

The most direct accessibility question.

I tornelli sono adatti per sedia a rotelle?

Are the turnstiles suitable for wheelchairs?

Wide-gate turnstiles are not always obvious.

C'è assistenza per persone disabili?

Is there assistance for people with disabilities?

Some stations have staff assistance upon request.

Mini Dialogue

— La stazione Spagna è accessibile con la sedia a rotelle? — Sì, c'è un ascensore ma è spesso guasto, purtroppo. — C'è un'alternativa? — La stazione Flaminio è più affidabile, è a circa venti minuti a piedi.

— Is Spagna station accessible by wheelchair? — Yes, there's a lift but it's often broken, unfortunately. — Is there an alternative? — Flaminio station is more reliable, it's about twenty minutes on foot.

Cultural Note

Rome's metro is one of the least accessible metro systems in Europe. Many stations on the older lines A and B were built in the 1950s–70s and have no lifts or limited access. The newer line C has full accessibility.