Mapping accessible transport for persons with reduced mobility [report]

Abstract

The aim of this study is to facilitate and increase the distribution of personalised travel information for persons with disabilities and reduced mobility (PRM). To this end, the study team carried out two steps: an inventory of existing information tools and the information they provide on barrier-free mobility within the European Union, and a pilot experiment integrating accessibility information in an interactive web map application entirely developed and tested. The study highlighted the need for better data concerning the nature of accessibility features in order to ensure reliable journey planning when accessibility constraints need to be used as criteria in journey planning search engines. Although it is expected that the Regulation on multimodal travel information services (MMTIS) will boost the provision of multimodal travel information in general and more specifically for persons with disabilities and reduced mobility, data heterogeneity and gaps are blocking the process, with major efforts being still required to achieve the desired levels. Evidence collected through our analysis and pilots, showed that the data fusion process1 to amalgamate and process information from a range of sources is highly complex and inefficient, and that it is virtually impossible to carry out accurate route accessibility planning with most of the data available. The European Commission could take further actions, notably throughout communication and support actions for data collection and harmonization, in order to provide guidance to those willing to take steps in this field and take the maximum benefit from the ongoing deployments of journey planners.