This paper briefly describes the Spanish governments policy towards providing public transport for disabled people. The various methods for so doing are also described briefly. These include modifications to bus design, such as decreasing the floor length and provision of specially adapted handrails, signals and lighting. Special transport systems are provided in twenty four cities, with two cities providing a door-to-door service. Specially modified taxis are also available, with funding provided for the modifications. Funding is also provided for modification of intercity coaches. The underground system in some cities is being modified to cater for disabled people as are the airports and railways. In these, elevators or ramps are being provided at stations where necessary platforms are being raised, and in some cases, signalling strips are being laid on the walls and floors to guide the blind and visually impaired. Text telephones are being provided for the deaf, and braille maps of the underground for the blind. Trains are also being modified to make them more accessible.
Abstract