ABSTRACT
Public transport is facing major challenges in the current economic and social climate. Public transport providers need to respond to increasing demand for service provision both in terms of volume and diversity of service users. They also need to increase the quality of the public transport service they provide. Issues of accessibility, reliability and quality of service are key indicators that are sometimes in conflict and need to be revisited. A research project was conducted in order to address accessibility issues associated with bus travel in London. The aim of the project was to assess the current situation and to make recommendations for improving accessibility of public buses through investigating barriers to a diverse range of people using (and not using) public buses. Findings suggest accessibility and inclusivity issues affecting public bus services fall into three broad categories: Physical, Psycho-social and Operational. Previously, the emphasis of accessibility research and improvements schemes in public transport had been on the physical elements of accessibility. While these are certainly vital, the outcomes of the research suggest that psychosocial issues are equally, perhaps even more, so. Findings highlight the need for a ‘Mentality Shift’ when addressing accessibility in public transport. Recommendations are made for addressing these in order to make bus travel inviting and enjoyable for mobility-challenged users.
