A Public Transit System, Designed for All

Universal Design

Universal design is not a synonym or a euphemism for accessibility standards. Universal design can be distinguished from minimal compliance with accessibility standards in the way that the accessible features have been integrated into the overall design. This integration is important because it results in better design and avoids the stigmatizing quality of accessible features that have been added on late in the design process or as modifications after the design is complete. The process of integrating accessible features so they become integral to a design may be more challenging for the designer but the results may also be more satisfying. Another important way in which universal design differs from accessibility requirements is that  accessibility requirements are usually prescriptive whereas universal design is performance based. Universal design does not have rigid standards or requirements but addresses usability issues more holistically.

Notable Examples

Bordeaux Light Rail (France)

Extensive participatory process with user/experts engaged specifically for some elements. Tactile maps at station entrances, lobbies and platforms. Detectable guide strip from each station entrance to lobby, fare gates and down to the platforms. Lighting levels vary in relation to function and lend clarity to the hierarchy of information. Low floor trams, which allow comfortable and easy access for not only people with disabilities but also children, elderly, women with children, people wheeling luggage or shopping carts. Spacious multipurpose areas that can be dedicated to bicycles, prams or luggage.

Light-rail vehicles:

A train may consist of two cars coupled together. If each car has four doorways and can hold 66 passengers in each car consider four luggage racks and four bicycle hangers per car.

Bike Accommodation, Interior and Exterior:

Interior Bike racks need allowable space for foldable and non-foldable models, preferably separate from passenger seating for safety and spacial reasons. Exterior Bike racks pose a safety concern, and most passengers are not in agreeance to allow costly bicycles to be attached to an exterior rack.

Babies and Children:

Strollers, small carts, etc. Allowable space considerations are necessary for families carrying small children, with strollers, and small carts to accommodate for baggage and needs of small children. Hooks and bins may be considered for hands free seating.

Baggage Accommodation:

Allowable space for baggage must be incorporated into design. Consider overhead racks
and open space beneath seating.

Accessibility:

Fully ADA compliant stations and vehicles with four wheelchair locations per vehicle. Level boarding at each train door. Ramps and tactile edges at all stations. Elevators at stations on bridges. Interior railing placement, raised portions of vehicle, partition placement/separation from short commuters

Wheel Chair Accommodations:

Wheel chair accommodations will be provided in accordance with ADA Accessibility Guidelines.
Space for a minimum of two wheelchairs shall be allocated near the operators cab. A stop request tape switch shall be located in this area. Passenger seats at designated wheelchair areas shall be flip-up type.

Elderly Safety Feature Considerations:

The LRVs, in conjunction with platform configuration, shall comply with the ADA Accessibility Guidelines.

Elderly and ADA Accessible Ramps:

Each front doorway, nearest the operators cab, will be fitted with a manually operated ramp and bridge plate. When deployed, the ramps will completely cover the step well, and the bridge plate will rest on the wayside platform. The status of the ramp will be indicated by limit switch to other vehicle systems.

Sanitary Fabrics and Materials/Seating:

Seats will be of two varieties: lateral fixed 2 person seats, or flip-up 2 person seats arranged laterally or longitudinally. All seat frame materials visible to the public will be brushed stainless steel. Non-visible frame materials may be painted mild steel. Seat cushions that are replaceable insert type should be considered. Consider that the passenger and door windows will be laminated, tinted, safety glass meeting ANSI Type 1 requirements; passenger side windows one piece without an openable portion.