BRT is expanding around the world
description
Transcript of BRT is expanding around the world
Challenges to inclusive Bus Rapid Transit: The role of public
participation
Tom RickertAccess Exchange International
TRANSED2012/New Delhi
PURPOSETo promote effective & productive public participation, by passengers who benefit from inclusive design, in (1) BRT planning (2) BRT operation.
BRT is expanding around the world
In India alone . . .Pune, Ahmedabad, Delhi, Jaipur, Goa, Mumbai, Indore, Rajkot, Surat, Bhopal, Hyderabad, Pimpri-Chinchwad, Vishakhapatnam, Bangalore, Chennai, Coimbatore, Nagpur, Vijayawada, Kolkata
A common problem:
Ignoring a needed access featureExample: stairs instead of ramps
A common problem:
A feature that looks accessible but it isn’tExample: Excessive platform-to-
bus gap
A common problem:
Need to create an obstacle to address an unanticipated problemExample: Creating an obstacle in a
ramped pedestrian tunnel to keep out motorcycles
A common problem:
Lack of an overall vision for accessExample: Failure to promote
pedestrian access away from stations or trunk lines.
Focus groups
• 6-12 persons• for single categories (e.g., wheelchair users) or multiple categories (e.g., those with different disabilities)• periodic, or at start of process
Focus group in Mexico City
Advisory committees: for technical input• ongoing• input at appropriate levels into planning, design, pedestrian access, driver training, operations
Checking a prototype platform in San Francisco
Mexico City Metrobús: advisors and staff
Advisor and staff test tactile guideway on Mexico City Metrobús
Cali: Staff and advisors
Advisory committees: for political support
• Disability groups should be natural allies.• Many other stakeholders: neighborhood groups, sidewalk vendors, informal transit operators
Passing a funding increase for transportation in San Francisco
Celebration in San Francisco
A valid process: proactive
Need to take the initiative and direct/channel public participation instead of being scared and running from it.
Public meeting in Cali
Met him on TransMilenio
Invited him to a workshop
Customer input in El Salvador
A valid process: transparent
• information & agendas available• accessible formats• transportation to meetings if required.
A valid process: fair to participants
• equal opportunity for each person• not taken over by 1-2 strong participants• enforce mutual respect• everyone has opportunity to speak once before others speak a second time(put the rules of the process in writing!)
A valid process: taking responsibilities seriously
• written expectations• show up on time, mutual respect, participate in training to increase quality of input
A valid process: trained to competency
• All stakeholders need to understand the issues, timelines, and challenges.• Be trained in use of the system (e.g. boarding skills)An accessible BRT corridor may be the first opportunity in a disabled person’s life to actually board a public transit vehicle.
South Africa DoT Advisors Meeting
References
• World Bank, 2006: Bus Rapid Transit Accessibility Guidelines
• World Bank, 2009: Transit Access Training Toolkit
• World Bank, 2010: Technical and operational challenges to inclusive Bus Rapid Transit all at http://go.worldbank.org/MQUMJCL1W1
• AEI, 2011: Universal access to Bus Rapid Transit: Design, operation, and working with the community at [email protected].