휠체어 이용 장애인의 저상버스 이용 실태 및 경험에 관한 연구: 인천광역시를 중심으로

Abstract

This study aims to provide policy implications based on the actual usage of low-floor buses operating in Incheon Metropolitan City and the experiences of people with disabilities who use them. For the purpose of this study, a combination of quantitative research using frequency analysis based on monitoring sites and qualitative research revealing the experiences of the researcher was conducted. For this purpose, four people with severe disabilities who use wheelchairs were recruited, and the objectivity of the research was ensured through training for the recruited people with disabilities. The results of the study were derived through frequency analysis and thematic analysis of the surveyed sites, and the results were as follows: first, 80.4% of the low-floor buses were accessible, but 19.6% were not. Second, 77.5% of the bus stops were accessible. Third, 24.5% of the platform lifts (ramps) were not operational for low-floor buses. Fourth, regarding the friendliness of low-floor bus drivers, 28.2% were found to be unfriendly. Fifth, the survey revealed various inconveniences related to the place of alighting. The results of this study led to policy recommendations on the need to eradicate discrimination, introduce universal design for low-floor buses, distribute low-floor bus manuals and driver training, and expand the number of low-floor buses in order to improve the mobility rights of people with disabilities using wheelchairs.