ECONOMIC AND DEMOGRAPHIC FACTORS: THE SWEDISH EXPERIENCE

Details are given of how Sweden's goal to ensure mobility for everyone including the disabled is being met. Legislation has been passed to implement adaptations to public transport. The requirements of the regulations are listed. Patronage has not been as high as expected and this is put down to a lack of adaptations at terminals, stations and bus stops. The dominant means of travel for disabled people is the 'Special Transport Service' (STS), a form of taxi service paid for by the municipality but where only 7% of vehicles are specially adapted. With public transport unpopular and STS proving costly, a new concept of Service Routes is being tried out. A Service Route is a bus service which is available to anyone, but which has been especially adapted for people with reduced mobility. The aims of this service are described and details given of the type of vehicles to be used. For the covering abstract of the conference see IRRD 854402.