Developing and applying interactive visual tools to enhance stakeholder engagement in accessibility planning for mobility disadvantaged groups

Abstract

This paper presents findings from an English study that developed a range of visual tools to assist in investigating broader aspects of accessibility, through innovative forms of stakeholder engagement, comprising in-depth workshops with both public transport users and a wide range of professionals. As well as public transport operators, the latter included senior managers in the education, health and social service sectors, plus major private sector employers and the Regional Development Agency. A spreadsheet tool was developed to assist in codifying accessibility problems and potential solutions. The study identified ways in which the uncoordinated, day-to-day decisions of the various agencies caused considerable accessibility problems for different user groups, and how all parties would benefit from greater information exchange in the formative stages of their strategic planning processes if public transport is to play its part in meeting the mobility requirements of diverse population groups.