2012年-世界发展银行全球_Accessibility_of_Urban_Transport_for_People_with_Disabilities_and_Limited_Mobility___Lessons_from_East_Asia_and_the_Pacific_9页_1mb

Summary of Accessibility of Urban Transport for People with Disabilities and Limited Mobility: Lessons from East Asia and the Pacific

Core Content

This document provides an analysis of the accessibility of urban transport for people with disabilities and limited mobility in the East Asia and Pacific (EAP) region, emphasizing the importance of integrating accessibility into transport planning and implementation. It outlines the role of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD), the principles of Universal Design (UD), and the impact of legal frameworks and public consultations in improving transport accessibility.

Main Objectives

• To highlight best practices in national laws, policies, and project implementation related to transport accessibility.
• To improve the welfare of transport users by ensuring inclusive and accessible transport systems.
• To suggest ways to enhance the implementation of accessibility features in urban transport projects.

Key Principles and Concepts

• Accessibility is a fundamental right: The CRPD mandates that governments must progressively adapt laws and regulations to ensure equal access for all, including people with disabilities.
• Universal Design (UD): UD is the design of environments and products to be usable by all people, including those with disabilities, without the need for adaptation. It applies to urban transport, rural roads, and other sectors.
• Inclusive transport: Ensuring that all people, including those with disabilities, have equal access to transport systems, which also benefits non-disabled individuals such as the elderly, children, and pregnant women.

Challenges in Implementation

• Lack of institutionalization: Accessibility for people with disabilities is often not institutionalized in transport planning.
• Insufficient knowledge: Professionals may not be aware of existing accessibility standards and their applicability.
• Limited community involvement: People with disabilities are not consistently consulted during the planning and implementation of transport projects.
• Inconsistent enforcement: Even when standards exist, they are not always implemented or enforced uniformly.
• Perception of cost: Accessibility is often seen as costly, but studies show that the difference lies in attention and supervision, not additional expenditure.

Best Practices and Recommendations

• Public consultations: Engaging people with disabilities in all stages of the project cycle ensures that accessibility features are properly identified and implemented.
• Adoption of design standards: Countries should adopt and enforce national and international accessibility standards, such as those from the UK, USA, and China.
• Specialized training: Government officials, planners, and consultants need training to understand and implement UD principles effectively.
• Legal frameworks: National legislation should be supported by detailed provincial and local regulations to ensure consistent application of accessibility provisions.
• Use of checklists: Checklists can help ensure that accessibility considerations are included in the design and approval stages of transport projects.

Case Study: China

• Progress in accessibility standards: China has implemented laws and design guidelines since the 1980s, with the 2008 amendment emphasizing barrier-free facilities.
• Successful community involvement: Cities like Jinzhou have integrated consultations with people with disabilities into their project planning, resulting in better accessibility outcomes.
• Common issues and solutions:
  • Curb cuts: Should be level and free of ridges to avoid tripping hazards.
  • Safety islands: Need to be at least 1.5 meters wide and free of raised edges.
  • Sidewalks: Should be at least 50 cm wide and kept clear of obstacles.
  • Pedestrian signals: Should include audio features to assist visually impaired users.
  • Repair of damaged infrastructure: Timely repairs are essential to prevent accessibility barriers.

Conclusion

Accessibility in urban transport is not just a technical issue but a social and legal imperative. By integrating Universal Design principles, adopting and enforcing accessibility standards, and involving people with disabilities in the planning and implementation process, governments and institutions like the World Bank can create more inclusive and equitable transport systems. The World Bank and other donors should support these efforts through awareness campaigns, training, and the promotion of inclusive design practices in infrastructure projects.

References

• Roberts, P. & Babinard, J. (2004). World Bank Transport Strategy to Improve Accessibility in Developing Countries.
• DFID. (2006). Enhancing the Mobility of Disabled People: Guidelines for Practitioners.
• Lundebye, S., Svensson, H., & Dotson, E. (2011). Accessible Transport: Lessons from Urban Transport Projects from East Asia.
• Wang, W. (2012). Inclusive Mobility in China.
• World Bank. (2008). Design for All: Implications for Bank operations.
• World Bank. (2011). World Report on Disability.

For Further Information

• Julie Babinard – Environmental and Social Development Specialist (jbabinard@worldbank.org)
• Wei Wang – Junior Professional Associate (winniewang@worldbank.org)
• Christopher R. Bennett – Senior Transport Specialist (chennett2@worldbank.org)
• Shomik Mehdiratta – Lead Urban Transport Specialist (smehndiratta@worldbank.org)
• World Bank Transport website: http://www.worldbank.org/responsibletransport