Ingress/Egress Incidents Involving Wheelchair Users in a Fixed-Route Public Transit Environment
Document Type
Journal Article
Publication Date
2010
Subject Area
mode - paratransit, policy - disability, place - north america, planning - safety/accidents
Keywords
wheeled mobility device (WhMD), large accessible transit vehicles (LATVs), ramps, scooters
Abstract
The objectives of this study were to characterize the ingress and egress activities of wheeled mobility device (WhMD) passengers using fixed-route large, accessible transit vehicles (LATVs), and to examine factors associated with incidents occurring on ramps. A retrospective review of public transit video surveillance footage of WhMDseated passengers accessing fixed-route LATVs was conducted. Ingress and egress activities were characterized based on travel conditions and characteristics of the WhMD and LATV ramp. Incidents were identified based on predetermined criteria, and chi-square analysis was performed to identify WhMD and/or ingress/egress characteristics associated with incidents. Video records of 250 WhMD trips were analyzed. A total of 39 incidents occurred during ingress and 12 incidents occurred during egress. Results indicated that the frequency of incidents was significantly greater for scooter users and passengers who ascended the ramp using a rear-facing WhMD orientation. Narrow LATV ramp width was associated with the greatest number of incidents, followed by problems related to LATV door width and steep ramp slope.
Rights
Permission to publish the abstract has been given by Journal of Public Transportation, copyright remains with them.
Recommended Citation
Frost, K.L., Bertocci, G.E., & Sison, S. (2010). Ingress/Egress Incidents Involving Wheelchair Users in a Fixed-Route Public Transit Environment. Journal of Public Transportation, Vol. 13, (4), Pp. 41-62.
