A literature review from Norway takes an older person’s view of transport equity and accessibility. Being able get out and about on a daily basis to shop, visit friends, and medical appointments is essential for everyone. As people age, this ability becomes even more important in terms of maintaining health and independence. The review proposes that local government implement universal design for future mobility.
Older people who do not have access to private transport need to use public transport. Yet they face barriers in the built environment and public transportation infrastructure such as:
- Poorly built public vehicles and road systems
- Insecure and unsafe services
- Lack of wayfinding and walkability assistance
- Reduced accessible transportation options
- Undesirable attitudes of the general public.
The research paper covers the method for the literature review and the search terms used. A three tiered system is one way of solving the problem. First, a traditional fixed route service that suits people with no, or low level limitations. Second, fixed route services offering some flexibility with low floor buses. The third option is a special transport service. The bottom line is that a “one size fits all” is not the answer.
Implementing an equitable mobility design involves an integrated method to address the weaknesses of traditional design approaches. However, this requires a user-centred approach that involves older peoples’ requirements. Hence a universal design approach with co-design methods for future transport.
Several factors impact the mobility of older people: psychological state, health, and physical ability that can vary from day to day.
“Thus, for any public transportation system to achieve social inclusion or equity and equality its accessibility must be universal for everyone in society.”
Conclusions
The research paper compares policies and strategies in the UK, Canada and European countries. Investment at a local level is essential for features such as wind shelters, accessible vehicles, level footpaths, and appropriate ways to provide transport information.
Another paper that recommends that the design of public spaces should consider older people at the outset of the design. That is, they should involve older people in the design and redesign of pedestrian and walkway networks. The findings highlight how to employ universal design for mobility equity and compare mobility policies for older people.
The title of the paper is, Exploring mobility equity, equality, and accessibility for older people in the local environment.
From the abstract
The ability to travel independently and freely to participate in society is crucial for our quality of life. The question of how to maintain mobility equity and equality for older people is, however, a complex one.
This is because older people are often faced with physical barriers around the public transportation and built environment. Municipalities have not involved older people in the design of mobility accessibility initiatives.
The findings from our study present factors influencing local environment in achieving mobility equity from the perspectives of older people. Evidence underpins guidelines grounded in a universal design framework to help inform urban transport policies.
Transportation in the future
The language of transport has shifted from discussions about infrastructure to the mobility of people. It’s therefore essential to consider the the diversity of our population in future thinking and designing. But what would people with disability want from transportation in the future to make mobility easy and useful? A group in Europe decided to find out.
An interactive, real time, accessible journey planner was the most popular idea. This is because it would make travel more convenient and safer and enable independence. On the other hand, bike sharing, e-scooters and motorbike taxis were not popular with respondents.
People with vision impairment and hearing impairment weren’t that interested in an accessible journey planner. Two-wheeled solutions weren’t popular either with these two groups. Women had the most reservations around transport and different modes of mobility.
Cycle lanes received a luke-warm response across all disabilities. However, accessible cycle lanes were relatively more popular.
People with disability are open to using robots, artificial intelligence alerts and wearables. Therefore, designers of environments and systems need to work together for seamless integration.
As we know, what is good and useful for people with disability usually ends up being good for everyone. Consequently, the white paper is a useful resource with good recommendations for transport planners.
The white paper title is, Views of people with disabilities on future mobility. The research was funded by the European Union. The white paper explains their survey methods and findings, the issue of gender balance and future recommendations. It also offers design directions and policy and industry recommendations. Bottom line – we need universal design for future mobility.
Key points for future mobility
- Getting on and off the means of transport
- Reaching the transport mode
- Using station facilities
- Travel delays
- Comfort on board
- Limited access to information
- Autonomy
- Social barriers
- Accessing help
- Friendliness of the surrounding environment
- Getting users oriented
Age Friendly Ecosystems: A book
This book examines age friendliness from a place-based approach. It looks at neighbourhoods, campuses and health environments. The topics covered are:
- Creating an Age-Friendly Environment Across the Ecosystem
- Age Friendliness as a Framework for Equity in Aging
- Age-Friendly Voices in the Pursuit of an Age-Friendly Ecosystem
- Age-Friendly Futures: Equity by Design
The book emphasises the connection between design and health, examines the age-friendly movement and resources for equity and environmental justice. The full title is, Age-Friendly Ecosystems for Equitable Aging by Design. This is not open access.