Innovative Solutions for Disable Transit Accessibility

摘要

The report has identified the following major innovative technology developmentswhich show promise for provision of transit accessibility to all Americans while being compatible with economic constraints and with the broader mission of transit to serve the general public. It begins by discussing innovative solutions for guideway transit boarding. These solutions, which represent alternatives to vehicle borne wheelchair lifts on the one hand, or full high level platforms on the other hand, are primarily of interest for light rail operation. It then treats the issue of train/platform safety. This area is of special concern to the blind and visually impaired, who have great difficulty avoiding the hazardous platform edge. It discusses a number of edge protection materials. The report then addresses innovative solutions for disabled access to commuter rail trains. Approaches parallel those for other fixed guideway systems and include simple mobile wayside lifts, low floor cars with ramps, mini-platforms and full high level platforms. It concludes with a discussion of innovative solutions being used to provide disabled access to roadway transit vehicles. Buses face a major effort in providing full accessibility. While wheelchair lifts will obviously play the major role, both Europe and Canada are moving rapidly towards low floor buses.