The universally accessible intersection

Abstract

The National Department of Transport?s Vision of the Public Transport Action Plan encourages the utilisation of Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) as part of Integrated Rapid Transport Networks (IPTN?s), in conjunction with rail and conventional bus systems that can still play a role where they are appropriate and cost effective. The roll out of BRT is currently being pursued in all of the major cities in South Africa and by a variety of infrastructure consultants. The directive from NDOT is that the infrastructure and services of these BRT systems are universally accessible (UA). The intersection is the area where passengers access the BRT system or gain safe access across the street, and it is where the most focus and input is required to accommodate all users regardless of disability. The numerous consultants working on the various systems have interpreted the UA guidelines in different manners. This paper presents a case for a particular approach to creating the ?universally accessible intersection?, based on a set of design principles and guidelines.