Transport
Some 100 million people across the European Union have some form of
mobility impairment which makes access to public transport systems more
difficult. The long-term aim of the Commission and of associations of transport
authorities and operators is to ensure that public transport is accessible
for all. In this regard the Commission has adopted in 1993 a Community Action
Programme for Accessible Transport published and a Staff working paper giving
a list of priorities for accessible transport.
The aim of the Community Action Programme for Accessible Transport is to increase the usability of transport for persons with reduced mobility. It involves a series of Community measures to be taken in relation to technical standards applicable to means of transport and transport infrastructure, facilitating co-operation on information programmes, and co-ordinating research programmes. Other measures envisaged include effective signs and information for travellers, co-operation between the Member States regarding the harmonisation of audible signals at pedestrian crossings, and compulsory training courses on disability awareness and needs.
On technical harmonization, the Commission has adopted a proposal for a Directive, relating to special provisions for vehicles used for the carriage of passengers comprising more than eight seats in addition to the driver’s seat (buses and coaches). The Commission considers it realistic to require that passenger-carrying vehicles designed to provide urban and interurban services should be accessible for people with reduced mobility. The draft directive establishes technical prescriptions for accessible vehicles to be used for urban passenger transport, acknowledging the requirement to extend accessibility to interurban transport vehicles.
The success of the COST 322 project on low floor buses has led to the launch of another COST project on transport for people with reduced mobility: COST 335 on passengers' accessibility of heavy rail systems, together with ECMT/UIC. This project aims to draw together best practice in providing for the needs of disabled and elderly people in all aspects of rail travel and, where appropriate, to recommend best design practice. It has implications for any (potential) passenger with luggage, and implementing its recommendations should significantly improve access to railway systems.
Accessibility to and within airports and aircraft is based on ECAC Document no. 30 and the ACI Manual on Airports for People with Disabilities.
With UITP (Union Internationale des Transports Publics – International Public Transport Association) and the POLIS network of local and regional authorities, the Commission has set up the European Local Transport Information Service (ELTIS). This is a computerized database of good practice in local and regional transport. It includes case studies of accessible transport for people with reduced mobility, and the opportunity for operators and authorities to submit their own case studies. ELTIS is on the worldwide web at www.eltis.org.
By 1 January 2000 at the latest, in pursuance of the Council Recommendation of 4 June 1998 on a parking card for people with disabilities, a standardised EU model parking will be introduced. The card will have a white wheelchair symbol on a dark blue background and also a distinguishing code for the Member State issuing the card - EL, I, IRL etc - surrounded by the ring of twelve stars symbolising the European Union. It will allow disabled people to take advantage of the special parking facilities available in each Member State. The standardised card will replace the plethora of existing national and regional cards. Its easy recognition will also make life easier for traffic wardens and all those involved in enforcing parking regulations.
