Document Type

Conference Paper

Publication Date

2010

Subject Area

Transport accessibility - Access to Information, Transport accessibility - Access to services, Transport services - Affordability, Transport accessibility - Access to Technology, Mobility - Disabled

Abstract

This study was undertaken by Transport Canada’s Transportation Development Centre to establish research and development (R&D) needs and priorities with regard to accessible transportation in Canada. The objectives stated in the study’s Terms of Reference are: To review and assess accessible transportation needs and establish the priorities that should guide research and development in the coming years at Transport Canada, by taking into consideration the urgency of the situation, the policy and regulatory framework, and the relevance of other studies conducted in North America and elsewhere in the world. The study was conducted in 2008. Methodology The study involved a literature review of North American and international accessible transportation, with emphasis on Canadian work; consultations with various Canadian organizations; an analysis of social, economic and support needs, the establishment of research priorities; and a report describing the work carried out, the findings, the conclusions, and the recommendations. A questionnaire was developed to survey selected Canadian organizations representing persons with disabilities and government agencies responsible for accessible transportation. Survey results were analysed in terms of priority and time frame, and further classified into three R&D categories: technology/innovation, policy, and training. Results Consultations with consumer groups showed that access to travel information, fare affordability, and information for boarding and alighting ranked as the top three high-priority issues. Problems with communication were a recurring theme for travellers with disabilities. The top R&D recommendations from governmental respondents included updating travel data, developing guidelines for accommodating passengers with disabilities, and improving communication and information technologies. The majority of projects fell under the technology/innovation category. Of the 51 R&D project recommendations, 25 were recommended to be implemented in a 5-year time frame and 10 were suggested as top priority. The proposed list of projects will be used to develop a comprehensive research program, which will be presented to stakeholders for consideration. Conclusion The literature review and the survey helped to identify the key issues of concern to respondents in order to arrive at an array of recommendations in R&D, training, and implementation. The present study has, in a general way, revealed the R&D needs of disabled travellers and two federal government entities regarding accessible transportation. The proposed programs were presented at a meeting of Transport Canada’s Advisory Committee on Accessible Transportation and the Canadian Transportation Agency’s Accessibility Advisory Committee meetings to obtain feedback and agreement. The issues and R&D needs of the industry and service providers are not explicitly addressed in this study. Their needs should be established as a follow-on project.

Rights

Permission to publish the abstract has been given by Transed 2010, copyright remains with them.