ACCESSIBLE TRANSPORTATION AND MOBILITY

This paper addresses the subject of accessible transportation and mobility. The discussion begins by pointing out what accessible transportation encompasses: Public transport services; Intercity, regional, national, and international transport by motor coaches, railway, marine vessels, and aircraft; Intermodal linkages; Personal vehicles; and Pedestrian infrastructure. Also pointed out are the concepts that have taken 30 years to develop and are generally accepted throughout the developed world: Impairments only become barriers when the environment in general, and the transportation system in particular, creates demands that the individual cannot meet; Accessibility should be achieved through thoughtful design and system planning for the whole population; Mobility achieved by uncomfortable, dangerous, or undignified means is not acceptable; and Independence and the mobility required for independent living are rights.