An Investigation into “Seniors, Accessibility, and Parking” in UBC
Creators: name: Houshmand, Aidin
name: Lee, Jonathan
name: Rau, Han-Yung (Will)
name: Wong, Timothy
Publisher: name: The University of British Columbia
Year: 2017

description: The key problem this report addresses is UBC’s accessibility for new visitors, mainly for the elderly. The problem can be broken down into two parts: navigation and parking. For navigation, investigation for navigation methods and sign placements were performed. For parking, elderly accessibility and parking indicators were researched. A survey was also conducted to evaluate the satisfaction of UBC parkades. Solutions were evaluated based on the triple bottom line (Social, Economic, and Environmental). Most of the research was focused around papers and articles pertaining to parking and location accessibility, as well as research in UBC parking policy. One of the key findings in the research is the use of Advanced Parking Management Systems (APMS) in Europe (Advanced Parking Management Systems, 2007). The concept of APMS was essential in determining one of the solutions. Another key research finding was an article describing design considerations for transportation infrastructure (EMCT, 1999). This article helped us develop a solution for UBC parkades confusing layout. A survey was also conducted, although limited to only 18 participants. The survey revealed that there was a lack of satisfaction in terms of navigation around UBC parkades and surface parking lots. The participants also feel that the North Parkade is the most accessible parking space with UBC. Based on this survey, it was deemed that surface parking was not desirable for most drivers. Using the findings from the research, five solutions were determined: Safewalk collaboration, high visibility painting sidewalk, signs on important intersection, electronic sign and senior parking sign/stall. The Safewalk collaboration (unofficially AlumniWalk) will provide personal assistance for navigation to visitors coming out of the parkades. This will provide more opportunities for student workers and volunteers; however, the cost of potentially hiring more workers would be a key discussion point before implementation. The high visibility painting sidewalk is to be implemented in the parkades to guide the visitors and wheelchair users to the exits because newcomers can find these exits quite confusing. The paint is relatively inexpensive however can be the substance used can potentially be harmful. Setting up signs in key intersections can help guide visitors to parking locations and key routes within the UBC campus. However, setting up all these signs will be costly and disposal if corrosion occurs can have a negative impact on our environment. The electronic sign is to provide an indication of parking availability and location within parkades. This solution will be at higher implementation and operation cost as the equipment will be continuously running. The senior parking sign/stall is a simple solution to provide parking for the elderly. This will be based purely by an honour system. However, this will decrease the parking spots available for other people; thus, decreasing the revenues of the parkades even though it is a low cost implementation. Disclaimer: “UBC SEEDS provides students with the opportunity to share the findings of their studies, as well as their opinions, conclusions and recommendations with the UBC community. The reader should bear in mind that this is a student project/report and is not an official document of UBC. Furthermore readers should bear in mind that these reports may not reflect the current status of activities at UBC. We urge you to contact the research persons mentioned in a report or the SEEDS Coordinator about the current status of the subject matter of a project/report.”