Bus accessibility for disabled people : evaluation of various adaptations to the bus/urban infrastructure system.

This short article briefly reviews the various modifications in both bus and bus stop design which can make buses more accessible to disabled people. These include: a) provision of lifts for wheelchairs; b) retractable steps; c) the "kneeling" system, whereby the floor height of one side of the bus is lowered upon reaching a bus stop; d) elevated platforms at bus stops; e) extended bus bays; and f) low floor buses. The advantages and disadvantages of each modification are discussed briefly, both from the passengers' and the bus operators' point of view. The main results of a survey undertaken to ascertain the difficulties encountered by disabled people when stepping down, and when walking on inclined surfaces are also presented.