‘soft’ factors that affect accessibility kit mitchell
TRANSCRIPT
‘SOFT’ FACTORS THAT
AFFECT ACCESSIBILITY
Kit Mitchell
All over the world, accessible
infrastructure and vehicles are
being introduced
Footway, Malaysia
Light controlled crossing with ramps
Ramp access to BRT – Quito, Equador
G. Menckhoff, World Bank
Low floor bus, Malaysia
Airport Express, Malaysia
Delhi Metro
But these technical
improvements do not always
bring real improvements in
accessibility, in either
developed or developing
countries
WHY NOT?
ACCESSIBILITY requires
KNOWLEDGE Information for users
FINANCE Money for fares
CAPABILITY Accessible infrastructure
Accessible vehicles
Accessible information
Trained personnel
Policies for accessibility
CONFIDENCE Reliability
Above all, accessibility
needs providers to make the
passenger the top priority
When we see things that reduce
accessibility, it is not because
people are stupid, or do not care.
It is because accessibility is not
their top priority, or because they
lack knowledge or understanding.
FACTORS TO CONSIDER
MANAGEMENT POLICIES
ROAD USER BEHAVIOUR
BUREAUCRACY
STAFF TRAINING
MANAGEMENT OBJECTIVES (formal)
- Provide excellent service that
satisfies passenger needs
- Reliable and safe operation
- Profitable, financially responsible
- Satisfies local government aims
- Environmentally responsible
- Secure careers for staff
MANAGEMENT MOTIVATION
(other than formal objectives)
- Short term reduction of cost
- Lack of funds for investment
- Staff convenience, easy life
- Management convenience
- Prestige, press coverage
- Response to political pressure
Examples of consequences
Rules excluding disabled passengers ‘For their safety in the event of an emergency’
Provision of token services that have no real value
Failing to provide information in several forms or at all
ROAD USER BEHAVIOUR
- Illegal use of reserved parking for people with disabilities
- Pavement parking
- Blocking bus stops
- Riding motorcycles or bicycles on footways
The road is easier than the sidewalk
Pavement parking Viet Nam
Footway and ramp blocked by parked vehicles
Lack of enforcement
Wheelchair forced to use road
Why do the police allow this
behaviour?
Many reasons, but an important
factor is that they are not
supported by the local politicians.
We have to show economic or
political benefits of enforcement.
BUREAUCRACY
No time to inspect condition of
footways, so poor maintenance.
Do not have knowledge to
enforce technical standards.
Lack of continuity where contract
ended or ownership changes.
Poor maintenance
Kerb ramp less than 70 cm wide
Ramp blocked by flowerpot
Lack of continuity of accessible footway at end of footway improvement contract
Pedestrian access to accessible light rail Footpath stops at the property boundary
STAFF TRAINING
Staff with the right attitude and
training are the biggest single
contributor to accessibility
- Desire to help passengers
- Disability awareness and skills
- Communication skills
Disability awareness training
should start with the most senior
managers as they set the culture
of the organisation
Frontline staff need training to
communicate with people with
sensory impairments (hearing,
speech, vision)
Operating staff need to
understand what causes
problems for passengers
As an example, bus drivers
need to stop close to the kerb
Failing to stop close to the kerb
Failing to stop close to the kerb
- Stops are often blocked by parked vehicles;
- Stops have railings that prevent passengers boarding and alighting;
- Geometry of stops in laybys makes it impossible for drivers to get close;
- Bus stop shelter roofs overhang kerb.
The reasons bus drivers stop away from the kerb are:
Making transport easy for people
with disabilities to use makes it
easier for everybody.
Information for those with sensory
impairments helps strangers and
those who do not speak the local
language.
Inclusive design and operation helps everyone
A pathway for all
Easier and safer pedestrian
infrastructure means tourists will
not be deterred from visiting and
spending money.
Cruise ship passengers cross a busy
road between the harbour and town
Providing accessible infrastructure and vehicles is relatively easy. Managerial, organisational and staff motivation problems are
much more difficult
I believe this is increasingly the main challenge we face
Failing to stop close to the kerb
Cycling through a bus boarding line
Cycling through a bus boarding line
Issues for taxi drivers
‘I can’t see a passenger in a wheelchair hailing me’
‘It hurts my back to push a wheelchair up the ramp’
‘Health and Safety means I can’t handle special equipment’
Training helps skill and motivation
Motorcycle following a blind pedestrian
Parking at bus stops
Accessible metro or BRT surrounded
by inaccessible pedestrian routes
Kerb ramp blocked by incense burner
Pedestrian colonnades blocked