Public transport and people with impairments – exploring non-use of public transport through the case of Oslo, Norway

abstract

Despite the attention given to universal design in recent years, many people with impairments still refrain from travelling on public transport. This explorative case study, conducted in the greater Oslo region in Norway, aims to add knowledge on why this is so. Findings indicate that insecurity while travelling and expectations of problems along the way are significant barriers. For many it is the sum of all challenges combined, from experience or anticipation that leads to non-use of public transport. The study shows that universal design policy, as of today, does not lead to accessible public transport systems that rendered impairments irrelevant. If society could safeguard the individuals’ travel needs, this might have profound societal repercussions through increased workforce participation and value added in society. Only then can society make the best use of all its inhabitants while championing inclusiveness and equality.

Keywords:

• accessibility
• impairments
• public transport
• non-use
• barriers
• universal design

Acknowledgments

We would like to thank the anonymous referees of Disability & Society, as well as the editors, for valuable comments on the previous version of this article.

Declaration of interest

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Additional information

Funding

The research on which this article is based was funded by the Delta Centre – Ministry of Children and Equality, and the preparation of this article was funded by the Institute of Transport Economics, Strategic Programme on Sustainable Urban Development and Mobility [grant number 4323]. Norges Forskningsråd; Norwegian Ministry of Children and Equality