The Provision of Transport for the Handicapped

Abstract

A number of publications are reviewed dealing with the problems of, and the provision of transport for, individuals with mobility handicaps. These demonstrate that much has been done, but a great deal more remains to be accomplished. Even the basic question of whether to provide fully accessible transport for the handicapped, or construct special systems designed to meet their mobility needs, remains unresolved in most countries.

A review of the alternative methods of meeting the transport needs of the handicapped suggests that in certain modes, particularly walking, the designer could substantially improve the mobility of the disabled. By contrast, the design of specialised systems may not be cost effective, partly because the physically disabled do not constitute a uniform user group. However, the greatest difficulty is seen to rest with the expensive modification of existing transport systems.

Progress in this field is expected to be slow and vary between different countries, but continuous, largely in response to pressure from activist groups.