Accessible Multimodal - PowerPoint Presentation

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Accessible Multimodal Public Transport - South Africa’s Future

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Khibi

MananaDepartment of TransportPretoriaSouth Africa

Amanda GibberdDepartment of TransportPretoriaSouth Africa

Jim StanburyArcus GIBB (Pty) LtdCape TownSouth Africa

Ari

Sierlis

Quadriplegic Association of South Africa

Durban, SASlide2

Contents

Purpose of

the

paper

Introduction

Understanding the status quo of the existing systemLegislation and policy guiding the Accessible Public Transport

Strategy Defining an end

goal: what

is an accessible

public transport

system?Programmes in the Accessible Public Transport StrategyProgress in creating an enabling environmentProgress in upgrading existing public transport and developing integrated public transport networks (IPTN’s)Lessons learntConclusion

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The paper records the development of the Implementation Strategy to guide the provision of Accessible Public Transport in South Africa (“Accessible Public Transport Strategy”)

This strategy is the culmination of work over the last 10 to 20 years It has been developed into a

Programme of Action which is being implemented through a new position within the Department

Projects are now materialising that break new ground in universal access both nationally and internationally The implementation process has just begun. Evaluation is needed in 5 to 10 years

1. Purpose of the paper

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2. Introduction

South Africa is developing public transport networks that can be used by everyone. These are called integrated public transport networks (IPTNs).

Public transport networks are created by the integration of local rail, bus, mini bus taxi and on-demand services; linking with long-distance services.The

National Department of Transport (NDoT) has prioritised Bus Rapid Transport (BRT) and Rapid Rail as critical elements of the IPTN where the municipal situation warrants such an intervention, i.e. passenger numbers and demand indicate that a special intervention is required.

The NDoT is required by law to provide for passengers with special categories of need in public transport.Slide5

3. Understanding the status quo of the existing system

Existing road and rail public transport is generally not accessible to all passengers. Some of the problems are:

Lack of pre-travel information

Inaccessible route from origin to boarding point

Inaccessible infrastructureInaccessible, overcrowded vehicles in which to travelInadequate customer services and customer care

No integrated network Localised improvements were being made, but there was a need for a paradigm shift for government and operators

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South Africa is very clear on its approach to human rights. It has adopted the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and the Optional Protocol.

This commits South Africa to a universal design approach to the provision of all services, including transport

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3. Legislation and

policy

National Legislation includes:

Promotion of Equality and Prevention of Unfair Discrimination Act

(2000).

“ The “burden of proof” lies with the respondent not complainant”

The National Land Transport Act

(2009). This identifies passengers with special categories of need in transport systems (people with disabilities, elderly people, young children and those accompanying children) Public Transport Strategy

(2007).

“100%

Accessible!”

Accessible Public

Transport Implementation Strategy

and

Action Plan

(2011 Draft

).

A

series of programmes that can be implemented over time.Slide7

Accessible Public Transport Strategy proposes that a universally accessible system is one that consists of:

“Mainstream system that are usable by all people, to the greatest extent possible, and

Complemented by demand responsive services which provide for people for whom the mainstream service does not meet their needs”

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Defining

the end

goal: what is

an accessible public transport system

?Slide8

The network is based on the concept of the travel chain:

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4. Defining the end goal

(cont)

The Department of Transport’s goal is to put in place travel chains that can be used by the whole of society throughout the country, in all public transport networks.

Plan a Trip

Give Feedback

on trip

Get to pick

up point

Get to

destination

Get into

the vehicle

Get out of

the vehicle

Make the

Journey

Travel

Chain

This requires universally

accessible:

Transport planning

Operations

Marketing & communications

Customer care

Fare systems

Passenger information

Infrastructure

VehiclesSlide9

The Accessible Public Transport Strategy was accepted through workshops and presentations to stakeholders

This included transport providers and passenger user groups

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Programmes

in the Accessible

Public Transport Strategy

Accessible Public Transport Strategy

Five Thrusts of the Implementation Strategy

Creation of an enabling environment

Continuous upgrading of existing services (Modal Upgrading)

Provision of Integrated Rapid Public Transport Networks (

IRPTNs

) and Integrated Public Transport Networks

Roll-out of Rural Transport Packages

Legacy projects (for example the 2010 FIFA World Cup)

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National funding of public transport networks to assist the 12 largest cities to provide infrastructure and procure technical support, and for rail network improvements

National funding of public transport operations to improve accessibility of vehicles and servicesNational funding for road safety

to improve non-motorized transport for pedestriansFunding for the recapitalization of mini-bus taxis so that they are safer and easier to get into

Universal access plan as a funding output of some grants and now being voluntarily adopted by other modes, as a means of complying with national legislation

A New version of the Building Regulations has been published as a minimum standard, which is more in line with international norms

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6. Progress in creating an enabling environment: mechanisms

The Universal Design Access Plan

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Transport planning

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Operational context

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Marketing and communications

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Customer care

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The fare system

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Passenger information and way finding

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Infrastructure

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VehiclesSlide11

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There is an access auditor working within the Department, to oversee and audit the work of the access consultants

Access consultants work on each transport mode, to

write and implement the

Universal Access Plan; assisting the work of the infrastructurel and operations teams

They all have a vigorous understanding of:

The social model of disability and functional requirements of passengersUniversal access within all aspects of the travel chain

National legislation and policy

Progress

in creating an

enabling environment: access expertsSlide12

Network developmentIntegrating all modes of public transport

Improvements to “Non-

motorised transport (NMT)”

Better pedestrian infrastructure within 500m of each station / stop (both trunk and feeder)

New cycle lanesResponds to South Africa’s commitments to

COP17 (

Prioritising and increasing walking and cycling)

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7. Progress in

developing

new IPTNsSlide13

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7. Progress in

developing new IPTNs (cont)

Gautrain High Speed Rail

Links Pretoria, Johannesburg and OR Tambo International Airport

Provides world class travel for

all and sets new standards for South Africa beyond the minimum standards of the Building Regulations

Appointment

of an access consultant to review and deal with

issues on an on-going basis

An internal position has been created to deal with customer relations issues and identify those that can be mitigated immediatelyRegular discussions with the stakeholder group, the South African Disability Alliance to monitor and improve accessibility as needed, within an agreed timeframe Slide14

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Progress

in developing

new IPTNs (cont)

Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) systems

Accessible feeder systems are being

in placeincluding fully accessible low floor buses

New trunk

system are

in operation in Cape Town and

Johannesburg with a review of high vs. low floor. The debate is currently in progress.Three more BRT systems will start to run during the period 2013-2015Slide15

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Passenger rail

After years of underinvestment,

a substantial budget

has been allocated to upgrade rail infrastructure and purchase new, accessible,

rolling stock

Platform heights are being adjusted on selected stations so that level boarding is achieved, and station infrastructure is being upgraded

Customer service issues are gaining momentum and a proper forum for dealing with problems is being established

The Passenger Rail Agency now has a universal access policy and is developing a universal design access plan

Progress

in upgrading existing public transport (cont) Slide16

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Progress

in upgrading existing

public transport

Private bus / taxi operators

Some private operators are purchasing accessible buses and metered taxis

although not yet legally required to do so

Discussions have begun with bus operators on how to bring in accessible vehicles that are financially viable

A process of identifying obstructive or out of date complementary legislation has begun

Discussions have begun with the bus and taxi industry on the introduction of Universal Design Access PlansSlide17

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8. Lessons

learnt

South Africa has come a long way and still has a long way to

go. However, we have achieved a significant paradigm shift.

Some lessons learnt include: Political will and champions

are essential (Ministers and Mayors resolutions on universally accessible public transport are

being prepared)

Policy and

legislation

is in place but the core difficulty is to get acceptance that passengers with special categories of need have a right to use public transport A programme and system for implementation which includes monitoring and evaluation is required to keep the process moving over the required time periodA Universal Design Access Plan developed by an experienced Access

Consultant is

essential Slide18

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8.

Lessons learnt

Government funding

needs to include the condition to create universal accessible transport services

Partnership and co-operation between all spheres of government and transport operators is

vital. Especially to resolve initial resistance based upon costs (real or perceived) and identification of beneficiaries

Capacity building

of

every one who is involved is required. The skill

in universal access is not available throughout the country nor in all sectors. Awareness training of front line staff is essentialStakeholder groups should be as involved as possible but groups are fragmented making consultations

difficult. The access consultant plays a key role in involving stakeholders at local levelSlide19

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9. Conclusion

Ten years ago South Africa had no accessible public

transport.

Now every new system is being made universally accessible and existing systems are being upgraded over time

We are achieving this through partnerships, or as better put by Nelson Mandela:

“Those who are ready to join hands can

overcome

the greatest challenges”Slide20

Thank You

Dankie

Enkosi