Travel Behavior and Transportation Needs of People with Disabilities: Case Study of Some Categories of Disability in Dublin, Ireland

Arguments defending the poor attention given to those with disabilities in regard to equal opportunities for transportation options tend to center on the high cost of providing or improving facilities. This paper examines the current quality of service on a variety of modes and mode ancillaries, such as stations and stops, as determined by individuals with disabilities. That section is followed by an examination of the measures to improve the quality of service that those with disabilities require. The evaluations are done with four types of disability groups; although the samples of individuals involved are small, the findings are incisive and clear. The improvement measures discussed fall into two categories: those that are costly and those that are more a matter of consideration being given by transportation operators. For example, timetables could be located at a lower level at bus stops to facilitate wheelchair users and stops could be announced as buses approach them. It would appear that in many cases low-cost solutions could be considered marginal changes to work practices or decision making, but the impact they could have on quality of service indicators for those with disabilities, such as accessibility, would be considerable