Pathology of The Disabled People Access to Public Transport and Prioritizing Practical Solution

Abstract

Adaptation of urban facilities for disabled people is an essential need. Lack of adaptation leads to the isolation of the disabled and deprives society of their participation in various fields. Also, due to the impossibility of being in the community, these people lose the possibility of obtaining jobs and income, so they will suffer from severe financial problems and physical problems. For this reason, in developed countries, much attention is paid to the adaptation of public transportation for the disabled. In this study, the existing problems in the access of people with disabilities to public transport in Tehran have been investigated separately by Bus Rapid Transit(BRT), buses, and subways. Also, the actions for adapting have been identified. These actions have been prioritized and given a priority of 1 to 5. Questionnaires were evaluated using Cronbach's alpha in SPSS software. Based on the obtained results, Cronbach's alpha of the physical disability questionnaire was equal to 0.709, and Cronbach's alpha of the blind was equal to 0.711. Priorities were identified using 384 questionnaires that were answered by the disabled. Prioritization of the required adaptation measures of public transportation is evaluated according to the results of the questionnaires. Then, using SWOT analysis and examining the opportunities and threats, the weaknesses and strengths of the adaptation of public transportation for the disabled have been analyzed. The total final score for internal factors related to the provision of services in public transport for the disabled is 1.94, and external factors were 2.54. According to IE matrix, public transportation in Tehran needs growth and construction. Prioritization of the required measures for the adaptation of public transportation for the disabled, are evaluated according to the results of the questionnaires.