Governments around the world are seeking to build communities that are not only sustainable and resilient, but also inclusive. So when a sector continues to be left behind, then we have yet to realize the full potential of our communities, as there are citizens who still lack access to services and opportunities.
One of the essential daily needs of our citizens where there is still much room for improvement on inclusivity is public transport. The International Association of Public Transport (UITP) underscored that mobility is a key factor for economic and social integration.
Picture this: 15 percent of the world’s population has some form of disability, 750 million individuals have difficulty reading or writing, and about 80 percent of people with disabilities who are willing to work, remain unemployed.
The United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) stressed that mobility services is crucial in achieving sustainability goals and increasing the quality of life within cities, noting that in the Asia-Pacific region, the demand for urban transport is likely to double between 2015 and 2050. However, in many Asian cities, only 34 to 38 percent of the population currently have access to public transport.
How do we make public transport inclusive and accessible to all regardless of age, gender, ability, and income status?
C40, an international network of city mayors who are united in action to fight the climate crisis mainly by building sustainable, resilient and equitable communities, highlights the need to understand how different groups use public transport systems. Underserved sectors and their specific needs must be identified.
C40 recommends the implementation of an equity-first approach in addressing affordability issues in public transport. Subsidizing public transport or offering discounted fares for certain groups, such as students, the elderly, and low-income communities, can help address inequalities by improving access to learning, employment and livelihood opportunities.
In Lisbon, they have been taking steps to increase affordability of public transport, starting in 2017 when children below 14 years old are free of charge and those 65 years old and above are given discounted rates. In 2022, all students and citizens 65 and above availed of public transport for free.
It is also vital that public transportation is accessible to everyone regardless of abilities and mobility levels. Barrier-free transport infrastructure must be in place.
For those with limited mobility abilities, the existence of ramps, hand rails, platform lifts, are most helpful. The sizes of doors and pathways are also important to accommodate big and motorized wheelchairs.
For the blind and partially sighted, elevator buttons with Braille, tactile flooring, audio instructions especially in public places and transportation can help improve accessibility; while for the deaf and hard of hearing, sign language videos, signages that are easy to read can make a big difference.
For instance, the rapid-transit London Underground, or the Tube, prioritizes accessibility. They have step-free access stations that have lifts, ramps, and level surfaces, so that passengers, especially those with accessibility needs, would not need to use escalators or stairs to move between the street and the platform.
There are also safety concerns to consider, especially for women. That is why in some cities, like in Tokyo and Manila, there are women-only carriages in train lines. In India, they have ladies’ buses and safety apps that can be accessed when someone needs help.
The UITP also underscores the need to use new technology to increase public transport inclusivity and accessibility. This can be through digitizing public transport station services and processes, such as smart ticketing, real-time travel information apps, navigation apps, among others.
In fact, the presence of new and emerging technologies can revolutionize the way we plan our urban transport systems. What is most crucial is to work with different sectors of our communities to ensure that their accessibility needs are addressed and everyone has equal access to opportunities.