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‘SOFT’ FACTORS THAT AFFECT ACCESSIBILITY Kit Mitchell
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All over the world, accessible infrastructure and vehicles are being introduced
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Footway, Malaysia
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Light controlled crossing with ramps
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Ramp access to BRT – Quito, Equador G. Menckhoff, World Bank
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Low floor bus, Malaysia
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Airport Express, Malaysia
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Delhi Metro
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But these technical improvements do not always bring real improvements in accessibility, in either developed or developing countries WHY NOT?
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ACCESSIBILITY requires KNOWLEDGE Information for users FINANCE Money for fares CAPABILITY Accessible infrastructure Accessible vehicles Accessible information Trained personnel Policies for accessibility CONFIDENCE Reliability
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Above all, accessibility needs providers to make the passenger the top priority
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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.
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FACTORS TO CONSIDER MANAGEMENT POLICIES ROAD USER BEHAVIOUR BUREAUCRACY STAFF TRAINING
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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
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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
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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
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ROAD USER BEHAVIOUR - Illegal use of reserved parking for people with disabilities - Pavement parking - Blocking bus stops - Riding motorcycles or bicycles on footways
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The road is easier than the sidewalk
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Pavement parking Viet Nam
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Footway and ramp blocked by parked vehicles
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Lack of enforcement
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Wheelchair forced to use road
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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.
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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.
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Poor maintenance
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Kerb ramp less than 70 cm wide
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Ramp blocked by flowerpot
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Lack of continuity of accessible footway at end of footway improvement contract
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Pedestrian access to accessible light rail Footpath stops at the property boundary
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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
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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)
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Operating staff need to understand what causes problems for passengers As an example, bus drivers need to stop close to the kerb
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Failing to stop close to the kerb
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- 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:
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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.
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Inclusive design and operation helps everyone A pathway for all
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Easier and safer pedestrian infrastructure means tourists will not be deterred from visiting and spending money.
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Cruise ship passengers cross a busy road between the harbour and town
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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
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Failing to stop close to the kerb
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Cycling through a bus boarding line
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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
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Motorcycle following a blind pedestrian
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Parking at bus stops
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Accessible metro or BRT surrounded by inaccessible pedestrian routes
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Kerb ramp blocked by incense burner
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Pedestrian colonnades blocked
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