Inclusive Design of Autonomous Vehicles: A Public Dialogue At the Station

FTA should require all bus manufactures to equip buses with a sensor to indicate to Operators the need to deploy the bus ramp when a wheel chair or mobility device is secured in the priority seating area.

There should be a safety bell sensor indicating that the ramp has not been deployed to avoid any potential accidents or mishaps.

The gap between the station platform and metro rail cars means my power wheelchair gets stuck especially during rush hour when passengers move to the far side of the metro rail car and raise the height of the car above the platform. Usually it takes four fellow passengers pulling and pushing together to get me and my wheelchair on board the car. If a metro attendant had a portable metal ramp that could be placed on... more »

I have often found that audible information is inaccessible to people who have a hearing loss or are Deaf. The solution is more and better visual signboards to provide both station information and emergency alerts and information. If a station provides videos, captioned videos are a must.

As a side-effect to inconsistent, unfamiliar or complex transportation payment systems, it sometimes takes a minute or two to navigate the payment process. It is important, even if one is familiar with the payment system, that individuals feel safe taking out their wallet to pay for their fares. This typically means these facilities need to be in well-lit, open areas with security cameras when possible.

Large city airports are resorting to trains, people-movers and moving sidewalks to get people around more quickly and efficiently. Some have carts that deliver physically challenged folks to their terminals/gates. Unfortunately there are never enough available of the latter even when one arrives early for their departing flight during the holidays, large groups of travelers and tour groups. Negotiating these different... more »

I have traveled using planes, trains, coaches, and boats with my service dog. There is almost NO space available near or at the station/airport/dock/etc. for her to take care of business (pee and pooh). Some airports are beginning to add "pet relief rooms" in their terminals. I find few people who work in the terminals know where they are located. Even outside airports there are few places to go without leaving the drop-off,... more »

One of the biggest hurdles as a woman that uses a wheelchair in NYC is boarding or descending a train because of the platform gap issue. The platform gaps in the area that I live in are beyond 3" wide. My motorized wheelchair often gets caught in between the platform gap (unable to move forward or back-- the wheels of my chair spin-out). Other riders eventually notice that I need help because I am in the way of them boarding... more »

For a visually impaired rider at a station with multiple tracks it is hard to know which side to be on as the trains/trolieys do not necessarily travel on the same track when they share tracks with commercial, non-passenger trains. Audible announcements cannot always be heard or understood due to other trains arrival/departures. There should also be a safety gate at the crossing to help ID where and when one should cross... more »

Many transit stations either have elevators or ramps for riders to enter and exit stations. However, many stations have elevators that break and experience inclement weather that prevents the use of one or the other. This has created a number of limits and an increased distrust of riders with assistive devices from using transportation services with elevated stations. Future FTA funding for station improvements should... more »

You should have wifi beacons

The biggest obstacle "At the Station" is getting to it. Many places do not have adequate egress or sidewalks to safely traverse to or from the station. Walking through parking lots or riding in a wheelchair are pretty chancy when you are dodging distracted or rude drivers in a vehicle. I can't tell you how many times I was nearly run down by drivers dashing into an empty parking space. Many stations do not have marked... more »

Hi,

 

I live in New York City and I've found that many of the stations here are not accessible. It would be great if this changed in the near future.

Offer to assist individuals and guide them to and from vehicals

When my elderly and disabled husband and I boarded a subway train, the train moved forward almost immediately before we could quickly fold up the walker and stow it at a seat. As it lurched forward, my husband fell backward. Fortunately, he was not badly hurt. We haven't ridden since. There must be a better way.

I have heard of farmers markets at transit stations as a way to increase access to healthy foods...why not expand this? Have medical clinics (people can get flu shots, informational materials etc.). Local employment centers could also set up kiosks and offer career development and job seeking information. Especially in rural areas - having community services at transit hubs make sense and creates great partnerships between... more »