Project Summary
A research project engaging with disabled and elderly people to understand the specific requirements of an inclusive transport information device to fully meet their needs, increase their confidence to travel and improve their access to transport.
Project Achievements
A thorough literature review was conducted to examine the needs of the elderly and impaired when travelling. An online survey was conducted to examine needs of general users of transport and those either aged >65 or who had some form of disability (n = 26). A focus group was then conducted (n = 3) with people who match these criteria, to explore advantages, disadvantages and requirements for travel. Professionals in the industry (n = 2) were also interviewed to provide an operational perspective.
Conclusions
Older or impaired participants found travelling more difficult and anxiety-provoking than their counterparts. Crowding is important to this group, particularly on buses, and they tended to use apps and website less frequently for journey information. Bus demand is not being met leading to a lack of trust in bus reliability, a lack of comfort when overcrowded, or anxiety when digital information was unavailable, particularly in unknown locations. Train travel was acceptable when it proceeded as planned but issues such as delays, cancellations or seat-booking issues, leading to damaged luggage, long waits and physical trauma, could cause journeys to become ‘a nightmare’.
After testing with industry professionals, there was a consensus that information needs to be clearly presented, particularly for crowding and that current provision is not satisfactory. These issues could all be alleviated through a variety of measures; clearer journey information, real-time bus tracking and crowding data to prevent missed journeys and provide more comfortable options; alternative station facilities available before and during the journey, and crowding data would negate most of the issues encountered.
