User needs and expectations - findings from the Euro Access project

The paper reports on findings from the Euro Access FP6 project, aiming to contribute to the development of EU policy on the accessibility of the transport systems in the member states, in order to promote integration participation. The main methods have been an extensive literature review and a questionnaire survey sent to user organizations throughout Europe. In order to understand the basic features of both user prerequisites and accessibility concerns, a thorough review of theories and concepts revealed important features. Both the ICF model of WHO and the social model of disability provide valuable input into transportation accessibility analysis, since transportation is particularly framed in a social and cultural context. Mobility and accessibility for all people cannot be achieved without a holistic approach, e.g. by employing the travel chain. The chain must be solid, due to the dynamic forces involved. Important elements of the travel chain are presented in the paper. Reversing the perspective from the system to the different user groups, it became evident that different groups have different needs. Nevertheless, they all have in common the necessity of high disability awareness among stakeholders, planners and field staff. Furthermore, the response from different user groups in different European regions revealed user groups awareness and critical assessment of existing policies, legislation and action plans. To conclude, it was easier to find studies on barrier effects rather than on evidencebased facilitator effects. The work also concluded that best practice of systems design needs to emphasize barriers to transferability. While the institutional and organizational prerequisites vary, it might be that unified policies fail due to inefficient implementation and organizational obstacles. Seamless public transportation, accessible for all users, requires work across sectors and across different authorities with different budgets. (Less)