The Myciti IRT system in Cape Town: a case study in adhesive tactile way finding

Abstract

Paper presented at the 31st Annual Southern African Transport Conference 9-12 July 2012 "Getting Southern Africa to Work", CSIR International Convention Centre, Pretoria, South Africa.

Integrated Rapid Transit systems are designed for the needs of the customers. A world class facility would therefore allow for the convenience and safety of all users, including those reliant on universal accessibility and the provision of information other than that provided in the visual medium. MyCITI, the Integrated Rapid Transit (IRT) system currently being implemented in Cape Town, is a case study in the conceptual design, construction and implementation of various elements of universal accessibility, passenger information and way finding. The system draws from international examples and expertise in finding appropriate local interpretations in infrastructure design and construction to deliver a system that can offer public transport to all users. This paper provides a summary of the concept development and implementation strategies currently underway to supplement the universal accessibility and tactile way finding associated with the Cape Town IRT System infrastructure with specifically designed adhesive tactile way finding panels for the public transport users with visual impairments or language barriers.