Increasing Accessibility in the Transportation Industry

Introduction:

Transportation is one of the basic aspects of urbanization and involves every sector of life i.e. education, employment, health care, social connections, etc. Formerly, the issue of access to transportation was limited to persons with disabilities only. Now, the scale of barriers to mobility is recognized on a broader scale and involves equitable transportation access to all[1].

According to the report from World Bank 2022, accessible transportation includes;

·         Public Collective Means of Transportation- trains, buses, etc.

·         Public Individual Means of Transportation-taxis, vans, etc.

·         Mobility-Related Facilities- stations, bus stops, airports, etc.

·         Mobility-Related Urban Infrastructure-roads, bridges, pedestrian crossings, etc.

·         Information and communication within the facilities- signs at bus stops, timetables, maps, information for travelers in airports, etc.

·         Information and communication inside collective means of transportation- accessible information inside trams, trains, buses, etc. about current and next stops, emergency procedures, how to call for help, etc.

·         Digital information and communication- digital assistance in transportation e.g. web services to book a ticket or file a complaint, etc.

Hence accessibility to transportation includes a wide range of facilities which is indispensable for ensuring the equality and welfare of all segments of society including people with disabilities, seniors, individuals with limited mobility, and other marginalized groups. The lack of it would lead to the restriction of people’s mobility capacity.

Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 11 (“Make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable”). This signifies the importance attached to accessibility of mobility since it is recognized internationally and included in SDGs with special emphasis on accessibility to persons with disabilities among other marginalized segments of society.

Challenges in Achieving Accessibility

Despite progress in addressing the issue, challenges are still faced in achieving accessibility. The first and foremost problem is the ‘lack of infrastructure’, including inaccessible sidewalks, poorly designed transit stations, and limited wheelchair-accessible vehicles. This inflicts a great risk on children, the elderly, and persons with disabilities.

Moreover, the lack of access to accurate information about transportation makes it difficult for people, the general public, to plan their expeditions and commute.

The affordability factor always remains significant whenever the issue of accessibility is raised. Transportation services are often expensive and make it almost unaffordable for most of the people. This financial burden has its impacts, especially on low-income individuals as it makes their commute difficult and unaffordable and further exacerbates transportation inequalities.

Innovative Solutions for Enhanced Accessibility

Innovative solutions are required to ensure enhanced accessibility. The principle of inclusion needs to be adopted while coming up with the solution.

Advancements in technology can be utilized in this regard. Ride-hailing and on-demand transportation services depict such utilization where they offer flexible and accessible travel options for individuals by providing an option of negotiating a price on their part. Furthermore, the amalgamation of real-time transit information and mobile applications has given individuals access to up-to-date transit information about routes and schedules of transportation. This enhanced transparency and ensured fair access to transportation to everyone without any hindrance especially to persons with disabilities so that they cannot be discriminated.

Moreover, the emergence of autonomous vehicles (AVs) expands mobility options. But it includes glitches in the shape of sensory impairments or cognitive disabilities, which remains a critical challenge that requires careful consideration.

Policy and Regulatory Initiatives

Government agencies and policymakers play a crucial role in promoting accessibility in the transportation sector through regulatory initiatives and policy interventions.

In 2016, the World Bank alongside the Pacific Region Infrastructure Facility and other stakeholders and donors, produced a report on Improving Accessibility in Transport: Infrastructure Projects in the Pacific Islands, providing guidelines for effective practices as follows;

Policy and regulatory changes

Adopt accessibility standards, ensure access for all in transport policies, and mandate accessibility in public procurement.

Inclusive and universal design

Focus on all aspects of transit i.e. from road and pedestrian environment to traffic-calming measures, including vehicle entry and aisle space for persons using wheelchairs.

Social Benefits

Accessibility of transportation is not a voluntary act out of goodwill but a right recognized internationally. Meaning thereby it has to be implemented and protected at all costs. It is beneficial for all the including women, older people, and persons with disabilities. Hence its protection and implementation ensures the wellbeing of the society as a whole. It boosts dignity and self-esteem because it enables people to travel easily especially persons with different abilities to not rely on other people and this increase their confidence. Accessible communication and digital services related to mobility can have a role in the protection of the persons with different abilities, victims of violence, and others in need of support since it can monitor and track down by way of coordination and communication of the target location. Accessibility of mobility can be life-saving in case of emergency, allowing persons to not be left behind and can be saved timely e.g. in case of natural disaster, conflict, and other emergency situations. It can also help in the increase of the GDP of the country as it will increase the pool of taxpayers. It is not expensive as the cost is shared among the masses and hence its cost-effectiveness is enhanced.

Minimization of Risks

However precautionary measures need to be adopted to avoid the risks associated with unsafe accessibility of transportation.

Risks connected to safety measures: Measures are not accessible e.g. traffic separations between lanes that are not interrupted by accessible curb ramps/passages to enable persons with disabilities to safely cross the street.

 Accessibility measures that are not fully safe: No separation between sidewalk and cycling line, no separation or tactile alert for persons who are blind; etc.

Risks connected to communication/information: “Silent Airport” strategy in airports to reduce nuisance and acoustic pollution, with not enough monitors or other alert systems for persons who are deaf or who have intellectual impairments, and so on.

Accessibility to mobility is the need of the time which is addressed and recognized globally. The transportation industry is inclined towards it with enhanced modes adopted in this regard. However, there are some challenges that need to be addressed while ensuring equitable access to transportation by relying on the principles of inclusion and modification.