Access audit of orange line metro train
For barrier free mobility of persons with Disabilities (PWD’s) using universal Design principles (UDP)
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.17411/jacces.v16i1.677Abstract
Persons with Disabilities (PWD’s) in Pakistan face significant mobility barriers that exclude them from participating as equal citizens. This exclusion increases their vulnerability, making them dependent and trapping them in a vicious cycle of poverty, keeping them marginalized in society. Hence, an accessible environment is important for an inclusive society. To improve accessibility to services, accessible transportation is necessary. Accessible transport services increase accessibility to essential facilities for everyone, including PWD’s. The research aims to improve accessibility for PWD’s by utilizing Universal Design Principles (UDP). The study used a questionnaire to assess existing features and recommend areas for improvement. Ten Orange Line Metro Train (OLMT) stations were selected as case studies. The results revealed issues such as street vendor encroachment, insufficient ramp slopes, poor public restroom maintenance, inaccessible ticket counters, and unreliable emergency evacuation systems. Recommendations include awareness campaigns, implementing programs for stakeholders, relocating street vendors, providing accessible ramps, lowering ticket counter heights, and adopting bottom-up approach for policy implementation.
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