Physical and social accessibility barriers and facilitators of public transportation: Findings from a case study in Scotland

Background. Accessibility of public transportation is associated with participation levels. In Scotland, nearly half of all households do not own a vehicle. With an aging population and a larger number of people living with activity limitations accessible public transport is a necessity. With legislative mandates (DDA) in place, we need to understand how these are enacted at the local level.

Aim. We aimed to identify structural, physical and social barriers and facilitators of public transportation in an urban Scottish context

Method.  Dundee, a mid-sized city in Central Scotland with urban-rural and socioeconomic population diversity was selected as an exploratory case study. Participatory observation (total 30 hrs) and six key informant interviews involved two regional bus companies and local taxi services. Data were collected over a 2-week period on 15 buses, 4 taxis (accessible/inaccessible) and at bus stops (checklist).

Findings.  Structural barriers persist mostly outside city centre areas where shelter, seating facilities, route information in alternative formats were lacking. Most buses were accessible (entrance, seating, handle bars, alerts). While most bus drivers pulled up to curbs not all did, hydraulics to lower the bus were not always used, and not all waited until passengers are seated. One bus company uses bus attendants who assist disabled passengers. Drivers of inaccessible taxis demonstrated unwillingness to adapt them, while those who drove accessible cabs were highly positive towards accessibility issues.

Conclusion. While progress is being made, accessibility varies locally. Work needs to continue to change attitudes and behaviors to improve transport usability.