A METHODOLOGY FOR SETTING PRIORITIES FOR RETROFITTING TRANSPORTATION TERMINALS FOR THE DISABLED

Transportation terminals form key access points to the line haul system and need to be made more accessible for the handicapped. Much can be done to retrofit existing terminals. In 1981-82 the Transportation Research Centre at Carleton University conducted a study to develop a methodology for setting priorities for retrofitting terminals. Seven intercity terminals in Ottawa and Montreal were surveyed for obstacles. A team of four handicapped students plus two research assistants surveyed and analyzed the terminals. An inventory of the many problems, both specific and general, was prepared. In parallel, a search of technological solutions was also made. Solutions in the area of design standards, and personnel training were also documented. An attempt was made to match the solutions with the problems. This matching enabled the researchers to develop a method for setting priorities. Due to budgetary constraints, not all solutions can be implemented at once. Using such criteria as safety, mandatory activities, percentage of people served, impact on the general public, availability of material, installation time, and cost, priorities were assigned to the solutions. The assignment techniques, although subjective, permits the designer to consider all factors. Almost every solution proposed in this study was considered to have a negligible impact on the public. Those solutions identified as high priority were: access to the line-haul vehicle; automatic sliding doors; improved directional signs; extended handrails; and improved seating with back support. Many of these high priority solutions would also be of benefit to the non-handicapped users of the terminal.

• Corporate Authors:

  GORDON AND BREACH SCIENCE PUB.

  AMSTERDAM:
  ,    
• Authors:
  • Braaksma, J P
  • Girard, J
  • Adjeleian, J
• Publication Date: 1985

Media Info

• Features: Figures; References; Tables;
• Pagination: p. 141-163
• Serial:
  • SPECIALIZED TRANSPORTATION PLANNING AND PRACTICE
  • Volume: 2
  • Issue Number: 2
  • Publisher: Gordon and Breach Publishers

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Accessibility; Benefit cost analysis; Costs; Doors; Intermodal terminals; Persons with disabilities; Retrofitting; Safety; Seats; Signs; Strategic planning
• Geographic Terms: Canada
• Old TRIS Terms: Doorways; Signage
• Subject Areas: Finance; Public Transportation; Safety and Human Factors; Society; Terminals and Facilities;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00454908
• Record Type: Publication
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: May 31 1986 12:00AM