BOARDING AID DEVICES FOR DISABLED PASSENGERS ON HEAVY RAIL: EVALUATION OF ACCESSIBILITY
Document Type
Journal Article
Publication Date
2000
Subject Area
planning - surveys, ridership - old people, policy - disability, economics - appraisal/evaluation, place - europe, mode - rail, literature review - literature review
Keywords
Wheelchair lifts, Senior citizens, Ramps, Platform lifts, Physically handicapped persons, People with disabilities, Passenger trains, Onboard lifts, Older people, Old people, Literature surveys, Literature reviews, Handicapped persons, Europe, Elderly persons, Disabled persons, Boarding and alighting, Boarding aid devices, Aged, Accessibility
Abstract
Because railway networks are widely developed in Europe, facilitating access to disabled passengers is a pressing issue. Steps and gaps at the entrance doors are barriers to people in wheelchairs and to people with walking difficulties. Because of the difference between platform and car floor heights, level access is not available, and boarding aid devices are necessary for disabled passengers to bridge steps or gaps. A literature survey is presented, the practices of European railways are discussed, and relevant factors for choosing the most appropriate and convenient devices for boarding and alighting train cars are analyzed. Recommendations are suggested for near-term enhancements.
Recommended Citation
DeJeammes, M. (2000). BOARDING AID DEVICES FOR DISABLED PASSENGERS ON HEAVY RAIL: EVALUATION OF ACCESSIBILITY. Transportation Research Record, 1713, p. 48-55.
