Public transport accessibility for wheelchair users: A perspective from macro-ergonomic design

Abstract

Considering the current experience of Persons with Disabilities (PWD) seeking to join the labor market as well as improve their quality of life, full accessibility is an important tool to enable their integration into society. The primary objective of this study was to identify ergonomics and accessibility issues faced by wheelchair users and persons with mobility alterations when using public transport, from a user perspective. This was an observational, descriptive study, with a quantitative approach to data analysis and discussion. The study sample comprised 30 wheelchair-bound public transport users, and was drawn from the membership of LEME - Associação dos Lesados Medulares de Novo Hamburgo (Novo Hamburgo Spinal Injury Victims' Association). Data were collected by means of an open-ended interview, which guided questionnaire development, and direct field observations conducted during bus rides. Results indicate that the primary issues are the quality of services offered, particularly the schedule and number of accessible vehicles, and the lack of trained employees to aid wheelchair users. The paper also identifies issues related to accessibility and safety, both when accessing vehicles and during transportation.