The accessibility of rail transport to people with reduced mobility – case study

Abstract

The means of rail transport as well as other modes of transport primarily enable people to easily overcome certain distances over a period of time. This implies the need for it to be adapted to such specificities, together with other elements in places where high concentrations of passengers are exchanged. This paper deals with a common problem of accessibility of rail transport to people with reduced mobility (PRM). PRM refers to people whose mobility is reduced due to physical incapacity, an intellectual deficiency, age, illness or any other cause of disability when using transport. Therefore, a thorough analysis of accessibility of rail transport to this group of passengers will be conducted for the city of Zagreb according to certain indicators. The rail station is considered to be accessible if a PRM passenger can enter passenger terminal, consume services available there and if is able to get to the platform from where the train will depart. The rolling stock is accessible if a PRM passenger can buy a ticket, enter the train and have predicted and available space in the train. By determining the real state of accessibility to PRM passengers of all railway stations and used rolling stock in suburban rail transit in the city of Zagreb, measures will be proposed to increase accessibility to these passengers and thus facilitate their integration into society in this segment and increase their quality of life.