A major European research Action (COST 349) has been examining ways to improve access for disabled people to coaches and long distance buses. This international collaborative project has considered the diverse needs of disabled people including those who wish to travel while remaining seated in their wheelchair; vehicle design; infrastructure design; information and training; economic implications.
Disabled people represent about 13% of the population in Europe.There are about 38 million disabled people in the European Union and 60 million across the continent as a whole.Over the next 30 years, there will be a significant increase in the older population and the number of people aged over 60 will double.Many of these people depend on coaches and long distance buses for both regular and recreational travel.
The COST 349 experts considered best practice for intercity services - including those organised by public transport authorities - as well as coach tours.The vehicles considered covered the full range from low floor easy access interurban buses to high specification touring coaches.
COST 349 was launched at the end of 2001, with the theme: “Accessibility of coaches and long distance buses for people with reduced mobility”.15 countries participated, with experts from government, research institutes, disabled people’s associations, transport operators, vehicle manufacturers and equipment suppliers.
Previous research includes COST 322 on best practice for low floor city buses, and COST 335 which promoted best practice for accessibility to heavy rail systems.
COST - European Cooperation in the Field of Scientific and Technical Research – is the oldest and widest system for research networking in Europe. It is based on an intergovernmental framework for cooperation on research agreed folowing a Ministerial Conference in 1971.
The mission of COST is to strenghen Europe in scientific and technological research through the support of European cooperation and interaction between European researchers. It aims to maximise European synergy and added value in non-competitive and pre-normative research. |
