Performance of visually impaired users during simulated boarding and alighting on low-floor buses

Low-floor buses with folding ramp access represent a significant improvement in accessible public transit for passengers with mobility disabilities. However, the safety and usability aspects of the interior design of low-floor buses on blind and visually impaired users has not been studied in much detail. A laboratory study was completed using a static full-scale simulation of a low-floor bus to evaluate the impact of seating configuration and crowding on interior movement and accessibility for individuals with (n=18) and without visual impairments (n=17). The protocol simulated bus journeys including boarding, fare payment, seating, and alighting. Results from video observations and subjective assessments showed differences in boarding and alighting performance and users' perceptions of task difficulty across different bus layout designs The results suggest the need for more supportive design features (e.g. guide rails, handholds), legroom, and space for guide dogs to improve accommodation for passengers who are visually impaired. Such design improvements will also support a universal design approach that takes into consideration the needs of a diverse passenger population.