This paper assesses the existing situation with regard to accessible transport in the Greater Pretoria Metropolitan Council area (South Africa), explores the administrative and organizational delivery system, examines the relationship between the vehicle industry and accessible transport initiatives, speculates on the current and future roles of all government levels in the provision of accessible transport and the resources available for the implementation of interventions. Possible interventions are evaluated with respect to availability, affordability, appropriateness, acceptability, and `sustainability'. The conclusion is made that paternalistic attitudes coupled with an ad-hoc and underfunded approach to addressing the needs of persons with disabilities have militated against their independence and integration into society. However, because accessible transport is a human rights issue, its provision should be universal. The need for a societal attitudinal metamorphosis and commitment to addressing the problems of persons with disabilities cannot be overemphasized. (A) The French title of the paper is: "Des transports accessibles et le développement de la communauté : l'expérience de l'agglomération prétorienne".
Samenvatting