In 1979 Sweden implemented a law requiring the gradual adaptation of public transport vehicles and local terminals to the needs of disabled and elderly passengers. Measures, which include the height of steps, width of doorways, size of figures and letters on destination signs, design of handrails and announcements of stops over a tannoy system have been implemented slowly but a number of problems have emerged. Although a kneeling function and facility to announce bus stops has been incorporated there are no regulations for their use. Passengers are allowed to alight from the wider front door but are not aware of this or not encouraged by drivers. Doors are also operated by buttons which present difficulties to some users. Suggestions are made for overcoming these problems, many of which involve better communications with drivers and the user group. The concept of the Service Route was introduced in 1983 which acknowledged that not all the disabled could travel by conventional public transport. The Service Route network places priority on bringing buses near to residents, service centres and health facilities. The advantages of Service Routes and components of a Service Route operation are outlined.
Abstract