Testimony. Axel Alletru, para-athlete, fined on the train for sitting in a disabled seat

The northern pilot traveled in the Paris-Lille direction in a place reserved for people with reduced mobility. That day he was using crutches and not using a wheelchair as usual. This is precisely the reason put forward by the SNCF agent who verbalized it

It is a mishap that seems to describe the reality of many people with disabilities. And this mishap happened to para-sport pilot Axel Alletru.

This Monday, January 13, he must urgently go to Paris to collect a wheelchair. He travels from Lille-Flandres station and, exceptionally, gets around using crutches. “I am an incomplete paraplegic, which means that I am in a wheelchair 90% of the time but for the remaining 10% I can get up and take a few steps” specifies Axel. Exceptionally again, given the urgency of his trip, it is someone close to him who reserves the train.

Problem, arriving on the train, he realizes that an error was made in the reservation and that he is not positioned in a PMR (Person with Reduced Mobility) seat, on the ground floor of the train, as usual. On this day, his place is at the top of the stairs, on the train floor. “I can’t climb the steps. I see that the place reserved for people with disabilities is free, so I decide to sit there” describes Axel.

About thirty minutes later, an SNCF agent saw him sitting in this place. Axel explains his situation, proves his good faith by showing his disabled card. Nothing convinces the controller who still decides to fine the para-athlete. According to the agent, the place is only reserved for people in wheelchairs.

However, Axel Alletru traveled that day on crutches. Result: a fine of 149 euros. “I am obviously very angry with this agent. She behaved inhumanely. I have never had an altercation, I have always paid for my train tickets. This time, there was an exceptional situation. We did not They’re not machines after all! She could have understood, shown a little flexibility! the para-athlete is indignant. He denounced the situation via a publication on social networks. “It is not the object that causes the disability, but a physical and invisible reality, sometimes poorly perceived” he writes on his publication.

Axel Alletru still insists on an exceptional situation. According to him, this is the first time he has observed such behavior since the accident which left him paraplegic in 2010. “Usually, SNCF agents are courteous, they even help me get settled. There, I just came across the wrong person.”

However, he still admits to having received “many similar testimonies” since his publication where he denounces the situation on social networks. “This has to change, this is unacceptable. I have received hundreds of messages. I have an exhibition, so I wanted to raise my voice to raise awareness on the subject” confides Axel. For this, the athlete says he is ready to intervene with the SNCF, in his free time, to try to improve the reception conditions for people with disabilities.

Already, the people with reduced mobility, visually impaired or disabled people can reserve a place “priority” or “easy access” before the trip, and even be accompanied by agents. A routine that Axel Alletru is accustomed to. “Everything goes well, 9 times out of 10.” This time, it was a slight confusion that led to the situation, perceived as unfair in Axel’s eyes. “I had my accident fifteen years ago, I’m used to it. But imagine the trauma for a young person who had an accident recently and who is traveling for the first time. That’s why I’m reacting. I wouldn’t want to Not that it can happen to mentally weaker people.”

Axel’s disappointment is all the greater as the recent Paralympic Games in Paris had raised hopes. “I thought that it had raised a little awareness of disability among the general public. It is clear that nothing has changed” he concluded, bitterly.