Challenges to inclusive Bus Rapid Transit: The role of public participation Tom Rickert Access Exchange International TRANSED2012/New Delhi

PURPOSE To promote effective & productive public participation, by passengers who benefit from inclusive design, in (1) BRT planning (2) BRT operation.

BRT is expanding around the world

In India alone... Pune, Ahmedabad, Delhi, Jaipur, Goa, Mumbai, Indore, Rajkot, Surat, Bhopal, Hyderabad, Pimpri- Chinchwad, Vishakhapatnam, Bangalore, Chennai, Coimbatore, Nagpur, Vijayawada, Kolkata

A common problem: Ignoring a needed access feature Example: stairs instead of ramps

A common problem: A feature that looks accessible but it isn’t Example: Excessive platform-to- bus gap

A common problem: Need to create an obstacle to address an unanticipated problem Example: Creating an obstacle in a ramped pedestrian tunnel to keep out motorcycles

A common problem: Lack of an overall vision for access Example: Failure to promote pedestrian access away from stations or trunk lines.

Focus groups 6-12 persons for single categories (e.g., wheelchair users) or multiple categories (e.g., those with different disabilities) periodic, or at start of process

Focus group in Mexico City

Advisory committees: for technical input ongoing input at appropriate levels into planning, design, pedestrian access, driver training, operations

Checking a prototype platform in San Francisco

Mexico City Metrobús: advisors and staff

Advisor and staff test tactile guideway on Mexico City Metrobús

Cali: Staff and advisors

Advisory committees: for political support Disability groups should be natural allies. Many other stakeholders: neighborhood groups, sidewalk vendors, informal transit operators

Passing a funding increase for transportation in San Francisco

Celebration in San Francisco

A valid process: proactive Need to take the initiative and direct/channel public participation instead of being scared and running from it.

Public meeting in Cali

Met him on TransMilenio

Invited him to a workshop

Customer input in El Salvador

A valid process: transparent information & agendas available accessible formats transportation to meetings if required.

A valid process: fair to participants equal opportunity for each person not taken over by 1-2 strong participants enforce mutual respect everyone has opportunity to speak once before others speak a second time (put the rules of the process in writing!)

A valid process: taking responsibilities seriously written expectations show up on time, mutual respect, participate in training to increase quality of input

A valid process: trained to competency All stakeholders need to understand the issues, timelines, and challenges. Be trained in use of the system (e.g. boarding skills) An accessible BRT corridor may be the first opportunity in a disabled person’s life to actually board a public transit vehicle.

South Africa DoT Advisors Meeting

References World Bank, 2006: Bus Rapid Transit Accessibility Guidelines World Bank, 2009: Transit Access Training Toolkit World Bank, 2010: Technical and operational challenges to inclusive Bus Rapid Transit all at AEI, 2011: Universal access to Bus Rapid Transit: Design, operation, and working with the community at