1. © International Road Transport Union (IRU) 2007 Page 1 Conclusions and recommendations of the joint ECMT-IRU report Marc Billiet, IRU Permanent Delegation to the EU

2. © International Road Transport Union (IRU) 2007 Page 2 Key Statistics  There are some 45 million disabled people in the European Union: About 20% of adults have some form of long term disability About 20% of adults have some form of long term disability 70% of them have difficulty walking and/or climbing stairs 70% of them have difficulty walking and/or climbing stairs 41% have a hearing loss. 24% have a vision loss 41% have a hearing loss. 24% have a vision loss  One in four households has a disabled resident.  Disabled people travel one third less than non- disabled people.  The population balance is shifting.  There are some 45 million disabled people in the European Union: About 20% of adults have some form of long term disability About 20% of adults have some form of long term disability 70% of them have difficulty walking and/or climbing stairs 70% of them have difficulty walking and/or climbing stairs 41% have a hearing loss. 24% have a vision loss 41% have a hearing loss. 24% have a vision loss  One in four households has a disabled resident.  Disabled people travel one third less than non- disabled people.  The population balance is shifting.

3. © International Road Transport Union (IRU) 2007 Page 3 The link between age and disability

4. © International Road Transport Union (IRU) 2007 Page 4 Mobility Issues - expectations for the future International research has indicated that:   Older people in the future will have better health, higher levels of education, better housing and higher incomes than older people now.   They will expect higher levels of service than at present.   This will open up new market opportunities. International research has indicated that:   Older people in the future will have better health, higher levels of education, better housing and higher incomes than older people now.   They will expect higher levels of service than at present.   This will open up new market opportunities.

5. © International Road Transport Union (IRU) 2007 Page 5 Mobility Issues – future needs..   Older people may face physical, psychological and economic barriers to travel.   For some this will include diminished motor, sensory and cognitive abilities.   Public transport is becoming increasingly accessible to disabled and older people. .  But for many the flexibility, convenience and security of a taxi will be essential.   Older people may face physical, psychological and economic barriers to travel.   For some this will include diminished motor, sensory and cognitive abilities.   Public transport is becoming increasingly accessible to disabled and older people. .  But for many the flexibility, convenience and security of a taxi will be essential.

6. © International Road Transport Union (IRU) 2007 Page 6 Contents of the Report “IMPROVING ACCESS TO TAXISFOR ALL” Contents of the Report “IMPROVING ACCESS TO TAXISFOR ALL”

7. © International Road Transport Union (IRU) 2007 Page 7 ObjectivesObjectives  Countries have been slow in implementing the 1994 ECMT Resolution.  Economic factors were explored by ECMT and IRU in 2001.  Findings of the 2001 study needed to be updated.  Factors related to taxi vehicle design and manufacturing needed to be examined.  Countries have been slow in implementing the 1994 ECMT Resolution.  Economic factors were explored by ECMT and IRU in 2001.  Findings of the 2001 study needed to be updated.  Factors related to taxi vehicle design and manufacturing needed to be examined.

8. © International Road Transport Union (IRU) 2007 Page 8 ContentsContents - Introduction - Background - The need for accessibility - Methodology Introductory Chapter

9. © International Road Transport Union (IRU) 2007 Page 9 ContentsContents - Numbers and types of vehicles - Licensing and control - Financial Benefits - Structure of the trade - Provision of accessible taxi services The Taxi Market

10. © International Road Transport Union (IRU) 2007 Page 10 ContentsContents - Research on design requirements - Current and suggested parameters taxi - Matching the “ideal” design standard - Practical designs for wheelchair passengers Design for Wheelchair Accessibility

11. © International Road Transport Union (IRU) 2007 Page 11 Item Dimensions in mm EC Taxis for All UK F Exp FINInvataxiISOdraft LTI Taxi Typical Conversions VW Prop UnivSweden Peugeot E7 Merc Vito Fiat Pass door width / Height9001650900174580014008001450 750/700 1400/12007801350745127085012407-800130070011008001400 Step (floor height) [230]100[450][460] 208 [370] 230[475][490] 120- 250 [450] Interior headroom 180018251400/138014501400/1350140714001350140012301400 Wheelchair space LengthWidth1500144013001300/1280750/70011007001300/1200 750/700 116871013008001400800120075012007001300750 Max ramp angle (±) 4.8°7°14°4.6°8/16°16°13°17°15°

12. © International Road Transport Union (IRU) 2007 Page 12 ContentsContents - Making the taxi use easier for non-wheelchair users Taxis for other disabled people

13. © International Road Transport Union (IRU) 2007 Page 13 ContentsContents - The number of taxis which ought to be wheelchair accessible The proportion of wheelchair- accessible taxis

14. © International Road Transport Union (IRU) 2007 Page 14 ContentsContents - The role in providing accessible taxi services Dispatch and Control Taxis

15. © International Road Transport Union (IRU) 2007 Page 15 ContentsContents - Overview of regulation - Overview of incentives Encouraging the provision of Accessible Taxis

16. © International Road Transport Union (IRU) 2007 Page 16 ContentsContents Support for accessible taxis - Incentives to encourage accessible taxis

17. © International Road Transport Union (IRU) 2007 Page 17 ContentsContents - Improving the accessibility of road infrastructure InfrastructureInfrastructure

18. © International Road Transport Union (IRU) 2007 Page 18 ContentsContents - Training in disability awareness of drivers - Best practices Training for the industry

19. © International Road Transport Union (IRU) 2007 Page 19 ContentsContents Recommendations & Conclusions

20. © International Road Transport Union (IRU) 2007 Page 20 RecommendationsRecommendations  Vehicles used must be acceptable to the taxi trade. Implications for: Physical design and appearance of the vehiclePhysical design and appearance of the vehicle Capital and running costsCapital and running costs  The majority of disabled users should have improved access.  Guidance should be given on vehicle design.  Development of new vehicles takes time. A long term approach is needed.  Vehicles used must be acceptable to the taxi trade. Implications for: Physical design and appearance of the vehiclePhysical design and appearance of the vehicle Capital and running costsCapital and running costs  The majority of disabled users should have improved access.  Guidance should be given on vehicle design.  Development of new vehicles takes time. A long term approach is needed.

21. © International Road Transport Union (IRU) 2007 Page 21 RecommendationsRecommendations  Diversity of the taxi markets and trade should be taken into account.  Fundamental objectives of improving access should always be kept in mind.  Recommendations are for guidance. They are not mandatory.  A combination of technical recommendations and performance standards.  Diversity of the taxi markets and trade should be taken into account.  Fundamental objectives of improving access should always be kept in mind.  Recommendations are for guidance. They are not mandatory.  A combination of technical recommendations and performance standards.

22. © International Road Transport Union (IRU) 2007 Page 22 Vehicle that meets ideal standards through post- manufacture conversions: Two level approach with minimum standards Type 1: Wheelchair Accessible Taxis: Wheelchair users travelling in their chair Type 2: Standard Taxis: Other disabled passengers Fleet should include a combination of these two types. Vehicle that meets ideal standards through post- manufacture conversions: Two level approach with minimum standards Type 1: Wheelchair Accessible Taxis: Wheelchair users travelling in their chair Type 2: Standard Taxis: Other disabled passengers Fleet should include a combination of these two types. RecommendationsRecommendations

23. © International Road Transport Union (IRU) 2007 Page 23 Type 1: Entry to the vehicle Item Dimensions in mm Recommended Minimum (Maximum) Ramp gradient 11°(16°) Floor height 200(460) Passenger door width 800745 Passenger door height. 14001250 RecommendationsRecommendations

24. © International Road Transport Union (IRU) 2007 Page 24 Type 1: Vehicle Interior Item Dimensions in mm Recommended Minimum (Maximum) Interior headroom 14001350 Wheelchair space: WidthLength75013007001200 RecommendationsRecommendations

25. © International Road Transport Union (IRU) 2007 Page 25 RecommendationsRecommendations Type 2: standard accessible taxis  Saloons, estate or multi-purpose vehicles with minor modifications.  Wheelchair will go in the boot of the car.  Several design features which could make things easier and more comfortable for disabled people. Type 2: standard accessible taxis  Saloons, estate or multi-purpose vehicles with minor modifications.  Wheelchair will go in the boot of the car.  Several design features which could make things easier and more comfortable for disabled people.

26. © International Road Transport Union (IRU) 2007 Page 26 RecommendationsRecommendations Item Dimensions in mm Recommended Seat spacing: distance between the front surface of the seat back and back(s) in front. Seat position: horizontal distance from near side of seat squab to outer edge of door sill Seat height: floor to seat squab Clear floor space in front of seat (foot space) Exit radius: the clear space between the front nearside corner of the seat squab and the door frame (A or B pillar) At least 650mm No more than 250mm 300 – 450 mm At least 300mm At least 350mm Types 1 & 2 dimensions and other features

27. © International Road Transport Union (IRU) 2007 Page 27 RecommendationsRecommendations Item Dimensions in mm Recommended Seat height: floor to seat squab 300-450mm Door closure reach Up to 450mm Door handles Minimum 65mm long Door release effort Up to 5.4N (1) Grab handles: dimensions Circular cross section, if possible with a diam of 40mm, clearance of 45mm from adjacent surfaces. Grab handles: positions Vertical on either side of passenger door from at least 90mm down to 500mm. Interior grab handles should also be provided as appropriate. Visibility: colour contrast on Door handles, grab handles, step and ramp edges, door edge, front edge of seat squab and perimeter of driver communication window Lighting: passenger cab 150 lux, enhanced to 200 lux at steps (step height) meter display, (unless internally illuminated), safety signage and the communication window

28. © International Road Transport Union (IRU) 2007 Page 28 RecommendationsRecommendations Encouraging the provision of accessible taxis:  Regulation, financial incentives or a combination of both.  Reduction of duties and taxies on accessible vehicles.  Price of the taxi licences.  User-side subsidies.  Contract incentives. Encouraging the provision of accessible taxis:  Regulation, financial incentives or a combination of both.  Reduction of duties and taxies on accessible vehicles.  Price of the taxi licences.  User-side subsidies.  Contract incentives.

29. © International Road Transport Union (IRU) 2007 Page 29 RecommendationsRecommendations Infrastructure:  Taxi ranks.  Sheltered seating and good lighting and information. Infrastructure:  Taxi ranks.  Sheltered seating and good lighting and information.

30. © International Road Transport Union (IRU) 2007 Page 30 RecommendationsRecommendations Training:  All taxi staff should be included.  Exchanging best practice is important.  Involve disabled people when setting up training programmes. Training:  All taxi staff should be included.  Exchanging best practice is important.  Involve disabled people when setting up training programmes.

31. © International Road Transport Union (IRU) 2007 Page 31 ConclusionsConclusions  The two levels of accessibility should result in improved travel opportunities for disabled people if applied progressively.  Some will still need vehicles meeting standards which comply with the “Ideal”.  When there are no vehicles meeting Type 2 standards yet, vehicles which closely approach these standards should be identified.  The two levels of accessibility should result in improved travel opportunities for disabled people if applied progressively.  Some will still need vehicles meeting standards which comply with the “Ideal”.  When there are no vehicles meeting Type 2 standards yet, vehicles which closely approach these standards should be identified.

32. © International Road Transport Union (IRU) 2007 Page 32 ConclusionsConclusions Authorities:  Should promote the introduction over time of requirements that meet the accessibility requirements.  Should develop action plans for taxis to meet the minimum requirements. Transition periods are essential!  Examine financial incentives for the taxi sector.  As the number of accessible vehicles increases, this should be reflected in infrastructure provision plans. Authorities:  Should promote the introduction over time of requirements that meet the accessibility requirements.  Should develop action plans for taxis to meet the minimum requirements. Transition periods are essential!  Examine financial incentives for the taxi sector.  As the number of accessible vehicles increases, this should be reflected in infrastructure provision plans.

33. © International Road Transport Union (IRU) 2007 Page 33 ConclusionsConclusions Vehicle manufacturers and converters:  Should take account of the design parameters when they develop new vehicles that will be used as taxis.  Conversion specialist should continue to work on ways to make vehicles more easily usable for disabled people. Vehicle manufacturers and converters:  Should take account of the design parameters when they develop new vehicles that will be used as taxis.  Conversion specialist should continue to work on ways to make vehicles more easily usable for disabled people.

34. © International Road Transport Union (IRU) 2007 Page 34 ConclusionsConclusions Taxi operators:  Should pay attention in training their staff in disability awareness. Taxi operators:  Should pay attention in training their staff in disability awareness.

35. © International Road Transport Union (IRU) 2007 Page 35 Thank you very much!