Problem inventory to increase access for people with reduced mobility

Summary

Improved accessibility for individuals with limited mobility leads to improved quality of life and greater possibilities for social integration. A transport action plan for people living with a disability was drawn up, along with a set of minimum requirements that guarantee acceptable conditions for all.

Implementing sustainable mobility

At the start of the CIVITAS CARAVEL measure, Burgos had only recently begun working towards guaranteeing access for all citizens and visitors with impaired mobility. Efforts included modifying sections of the pavements along the principal city-centre streets; ensuring that businesses and residential premises do not feature obstacles to mobility; and providing preferential parking spaces and specially adapted buses.

Much still remained to be done to improve quality of life for people with impaired mobility. At the time the measure was launched, 16 percent of pedestrian crossings did not have low kerbs; 15 percent of public buildings were not equipped with satisfactory access conditions; and 75 percent of bus stops were not appropriate for use by people with limited mobility.

The main objectives were therefore to improve access to buses, including for wheelchair users; improve the condition of pavements; and improve the provision of transport information via electronic display boards and voice messaging.

Progress

The initial step was to identify points at which access needed to be improved. This was the basis for preparing a special map indicating access points. An action plan was drawn up to overcome difficulties encountered at bus stops and on particular streets. Finally, information on transport accessibility and mobility was enhanced by the use of electronic panel displays adapted to the needs of people with disabilities. Easy-access doors were fitted at bus stations and entrance barriers removed. 

Outcomes

As a result of the measure:

• more than 80 percent of identified points of inadequate access have been upgraded for people with disabilities;
• the public transport fleet has been made 100 percent accessible by the introduction of ramps and other facilities; and
• the National Association of Disabled People qualified accessibility of the city’s public transport fleet as “very good” at its annual meeting in 2008.