Evaluation on Low-floor Bus Package Layout from the Perspective of Universal Design

Abstract

Objective: The aim of this study is to suggest a package layout guideline for low-floor bus by interview with passengers and observations of their behavior. Background: Increasing attention has been introduced the low-floor bus to be more suitable for use by transportation handicapped. Complex issues are involved in providing comfortable services to all people. We are going to suggest package layout guidelines for more comfortable and suitable travel to all people. Method: The two times of survey and video observation sessions were conducted on low-floor buses in Seoul; (1) a finding of potential issues in the first session, (2) a confirming of issues from the last session. Results: The three of major issues were founded in this study; (1) difficulties in supporting body when standing, (2) difficulties in sitting on front wheel pan seat, (3) difficulties in passing through the aisle. Conclusion: There were clear differences between public and transportation handicapped in using some tools which are used for support body such as roof hand rails, side hand rails, and hand rail rings. Some of design problems were founded to improve from the perspective of ergonomics and universal design. Such differences and design guidelines have to be considered in bus design as well as commercial vehicle. Application: The proposed design guidelines can be used to development of low-floor bus and other public transportations.