Accessibility and Universal Design in Transportation Infrastructure

Abstract

The elements of accessibility and universal design play a major role in modern transportation infrastructure, which is equitable to people of all ages and abilities to move freely. This paper discusses the best practices and current issues in the design of transit stations to meet the needs of diverse users, specifically in the case of New Jersey and New York transit stations. The most important are the step-free access, the intuitive wayfinding, the perceptible information and the safety-oriented design and the most challenging issues are the retrofitting of aging infrastructure, maintenance limitations, and the cross-agency coordination. This analysis has identified the importance of the policy frameworks, including the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the new technologies, including real-time accessibility applications and sensor-based monitoring, in inclusive transit environments. The report highlights the need to invest more, apply policy, and work together with stakeholders in attaining a fully accessible and universally designed transportation system.