An Evaluation of the Universal Accessibility of Bus Stop Environments by Senior Tourists

Editorial information: International Journal of Sustainable Development and Planning. Vol. 15, No. 6, pp. 835-840. https://doi.org/10.18280/ijsdp.150606. 

The paper supports social inclusion measures requiring the improvement of transport infrastructure for people with reduced mobility. In that sense and in the context of accessible tourism, infrastructures and services should be adapted to be inclusive for all. 

The research project Accessibility for All in Tourism (ACCES4ALL) focuses on bus stops designed to be age-friendly and inclusive. Its main objective is to develop a pilot study of an accessible bus stop to be located at Faro International Airport, in the Algarve, Portugal. Its main purpose is to understand the specific perceptions of two distinct groups of senior tourists, namely those with and those without disabilities, in relation to bus stop environments.The pivot point was to list those technical parameters associated with accessible bus stops, and their surroundings, from the point of view of persons with disabilities, in a context of inclusive mobility. The sample size of the senior tourists’ survey amounts to 850 questionnaires. About 25% of the sample refers to aged (60+) tourists with at least one impairment, whereas 41% of respondents report limitations into using public transport.

Findings indicate that elderly tourists with disabilities have a greater perception of the inclusive characteristics of bus stops. In particular, senior citizens with disabilities have more perception of attributes concerning communication (panel with real waiting times), obstacle-free spaces (room to manoeuvre a wheelchair on the waiting platform) and risk perception (tactile warning strip on the waiting platform). Furthermore, there is criticism around pedestrian crossings, bench design and the lack of room for wheelchair users.

Disclaimer:

Accessible EU is not responsible for the accessibility of content provided by third parties.

If the acquisition or download of the referenced publications involves any cost, Accessible EU is not responsible for it and does not obtain any type of benefit from the associated sale.