The author describes the collaboration now evident in France in the development and operation of transport accessible to the disabled, and in particular the role the government has played in the provision of accessible buses. A programme of `60 transport measures' will be carried out over several years at a cost of FF250 million. Of particular concern is the search for an accessible bus. Details are given of the areas in which the government is involved including studies of mobility and new technology, provision of grants for research, and contributions to the costs of minibuses and intercity buses. All projects using government finances have to take the needs of people with all types of disability types of disability into account. It is hoped that the programme for accessible buses will contribute to the overall improvement of traffic conditions in France's urban areas by reducing car use.
Abstract