While the technology exists to relay destination announcements at stop platforms via the Public Address, the Light Rail Order prohibits continuous loudspeaker announcements (given the frequency of service) on the grounds of noise nuisance. In the short term, therefore, the following options exist for patrons with a sight impairment and for whom the digital Passenger Information Display is of no use: The emergency help point can be used to get in contact with the central control room, which can provide real time passenger information on incoming trams, including final destination of each tram. For users with read-aloud technology on either an android or an i-phone, the Luas App provides real time passenger information including train destination. Visually impaired passengers can speak to the tram drivers, who have had disability awareness training and who have been specifically notified of the special difficulties encountered at line spurs. RPA are examining the possibility of introducing additional on-board destination announcements at key locations, such as at Heuston, Smithfield, Blackhorse or wherever there is a crossover. While this won’t solve the problem, it may provide passengers with more opportunity to disembark a wrong tram. Meanwhile, RPA are working with Enterprise Ireland (assisted by the Waterford Institute of Technology) to source a suitable small to medium sized company for specific research and development in this area. One possible solution might be use of a dongle/ fob or wireless device to determine the presence of a visually impaired passenger at a Luas platform. Once identified, a public or private audio message could be sent via either a local PA system or the wireless device. This solution has the benefit of minimum noise pollution to other passengers or nearby homes or offices. The announcements would mimic the information displayed on the Passenger Information Displays giving both the arrival time and the destination of the next expected tram. Another solution may extend to the development of a unique App. The timeframe for the initial research and design for the project is December 2012.
development of Transport Strategy and Policy. This includes ensuring there is participation by staff with disabilities throughout the Department in the policy development process. The commitments, relevant to the Department in Transport Access for All, are included in the Department’s Statement of Strategy, related Business Plans and in the Department’s Annual Reports. The obligations on public bodies in fulfilling their statutory obligations under section 26, 27 and 28 of the Disability Act extend to all bodies under the auspices of the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport, including the National Transport Authority, the National Roads Authority, the Road Safety Authority and the Railway Safety Commission. In establishing any new bodies with responsibility for transport matters, the Department will continue to ensure that each body will have a specific remit with regard to transport accessibility. Local authority road user audits will be further developed and rolled out. These will ensure that all road users, including people with mobility/sensory impairments, are provided for in road transport infrastructure. The contribution of people with disabilities to the development of accessible transport policy and to monitoring progress with the implementation of the sectoral plan for public transport is facilitated by way of their participation in the work of the Public Transport Accessibility Committee. Membership of PTAC is reviewed on an ongoing basis in the light of changes to the Department’s responsibilities. Data and Research Strategy The Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport recognises the importance of comprehensive data and research across the Transport Sector and in particular on accessible transport. The Department has already contributed to a number of initiatives in that regard. The questionnaire survey of transport users, which accompanied the public consultation for the 2008 review of Transport Access for All represented a first step in gathering baseline information concerning the impact of the accessible transport
as well as with locally provided specialist healthcare and school transport services. A role was identified here also for integrated transport systems and technologies for passenger information before and during journeys. A related concern is the interface between private car and the public transport network requiring accessible parking provision. Integration of public transport services is a key objective for the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport. In line with the inclusive approach reflected in this Plan, integration is being pursued in a way that will not differentiate between people with disabilities and other passengers. The provision of improved interfacing of infrastructure, services, information and payment systems is key to effective integration. The main strategies to deliver improved integration include the phased introduction of integrated ticketing and of real time passenger information systems by the National Transport Authority, better inter-modal links to seaports and airports and utilisation of intelligent transport systems. Some of these integration issues are already being dealt with within the context of Transport Access for All such as improved passenger information systems and the introduction of new technologies. A number of other integration measures are being explored in the context of work related to local and rural integrated transport services (see section 3.). These involve greater levels of co-ordinated transport delivery across a range of exchequer funded local and rural transport services including the RTP, HSE non-acute transport and school transport and voluntary transport initiatives. Provision of transport services for older people and people with disabilities is a key consideration.
public transport services Authority Act 2008 (No. 15 of 2008) requires that a public services contract under the Act shall, among other things, provide for accessibility standards. Authority operators comply with the accessibility standards for people with mobility, sensory and cognitive impairments set out in ‘Transport Access for All’. The NTA will monitor and report on progress in that regard. Monitor the implementation of the Plan by transport operators under the Direct Award contracts with the National Transport Authority National Transport Authority Annual report on accessibility will be provided to DTTAS by the National Transport Authority with updates to PTAC as required. Bus and Coach Urban Bus Services Make all urban public transport buses accessible for people Continue to replace existing vehicles and add Bus Átha Cliath, Bus Éireann and Dublin Bus hopes to increase its fleet to 100% low floor by the end of 2012. The Travel Assistance scheme, which introduces people with
with mobility, sensory and cognitive impairments. additional vehicles to bus fleets using only low-floor, wheelchair accessible buses that have on-board features to assist people with mobility, sensory and cognitive impairments. Continue to provide additional accessible services on a route by route basis. Private Operators disabilities to public transport, will continue. A new sign is being developed for the wheelchair space in the bus, which it is hoped will help to avoid conflict between wheelchair users and buggy owners on Dublin bus services. Disability training is ongoing and disability awareness campaigns are run throughout the company. Real Time Passenger Information (RTPI) is being rolled out in Dublin and work will commence in Cork in 2012. Consideration is being given to possibilities for on-bus audio announcements. Bus Éireann continues to purchase only low-floor wheelchair accessible buses for its provincial city fleets. In other areas where Bus Éireann provides urban bus services, the Company will continue to replace buses with vehicles that are low-floor wheelchair accessible. Inter-City Coach Services Provide scheduled coach-based services that are accessible to people with mobility, sensory and cognitive impairments. Continue to replace existing coaches and add additional coaches to fleets using only accessible coaches. NTA, Bus Éireann and Private Operators 193 (42%) of Bus Éireann’s total coach fleet of 463 vehicles is wheelchair accessible. Bus Éireann hopes to achieve a 100% wheelchair accessible coach fleet on its public service obligation routes by end 2015. However, associated infrastructure upgrades (provision of accessible coach stops etc.) are also required to facilitate the
of taxis and hackneys for people with mobility, sensory and cognitive impairments. that there is adequate provision of taxi and hackney services that are: Accessible, Available, and Affordable. Specifically Transport Authority, DTTAS, Local Authorities, DECLG, Department of Finance and the Department of Social & Family Affairs. December 2011 was 1227 and the total active wheelchair accessible hackney’s is 3. That is 5.16% of the overall fleet. The NTA is committed to promoting an increase in the number of accessible vehicles and the standards of those vehicles. 1. Usage of Wheelchair Accessible Taxis. National Transport Authority A booking ‘contact centre’ will be piloted and evaluated, and will assist in gathering better information on Wheelchair Accessible Taxi (WAT) use, travel patterns and transport requirements; Further analysis of the optimum usage of WATs by dispatch operators will also be carried out; A website and smartphone application to facilitate self‐ordering of WATs will be developed. 2. Easier access to hackney market in rural areas. National Transport Authority Development of a new hackney licence which would facilitate entry to the hackney market in rural areas with identified public transport requirements. 3. Improved SPSV vehicle standards and National Transport Authority Short-Term Measures Revised age limit rules on taxi vehicles to encourage the movement to vehicles of 9-years or less
Enhanced availability of local and rural transport services for all Ensure that accessibility is a core criterion in the development of local and rural integrated transport services. DTTAS, NTA, RTP Groups, HSE, Local Authorities, Department of Education & Skills, Department of Environment, Community & Local Government. A National Integrated Rural transport Committee has been established to examine barriers to service integration and identify solutions. The public transport services provided under the Rural Transport Programme and by voluntary and community groups already have a high level of accessibility. The Committee which is chaired by the NTA will work to advance the integration of transport services while maintaining and, where possible, enhancing accessibility levels. Heavy Rail Suburban Passenger Trains Make all suburban trains accessible to people with mobility, sensory and cognitive impairments. Only purchase wheelchair accessible trains that have on-board features to assist people with mobility, sensory and cognitive impairments. NTA and Iarnród Éireann. PA enhancements - 75 % of the Dart fleet has been upgraded to date and it is intended that the PA systems on the remaining 25% will be completed in 2013. The replacement/ upgrade of the PA system on the remaining vehicles of the Commuter fleet will also be progressed. Inter-City Passenger Trains Make all Inter-City passenger trains Only purchase wheelchair Iarnród Éireann The intercity fleet operating from Dublin serving stations on lines to Sligo, Westport, Galway, Limerick, Tralee. Wexford and Cork is
people with disabilities. Ensure a coherent approach to accessible National Roads and pedestrian facilities by reviewing, strengthening The NRA design standards “Design Manual for Roads and Bridges” to be reviewed for approach to accessibility and revised as necessary to reflect appropriate conditions and guidance relating to people with disabilities. It is envisaged that the review will be completed by 2014. Local authorities will be encouraged to take account of the new guidelines. and developing guidelines and standards and implementing good practice amongst local authorities. Ensure a coherent approach to accessible roads and pedestrian facilities across all local authority administrative areas by DTTAS, DECLG and the LGMSB In 2009, the LGMSB produced the publication ‘Road and Street Design for All’ to support local authority staff in auditing and reviewing the accessibility of the streetscapes within their remit. These guidelines will be assessed with a view to ensuring that they are up-to-date and local authorities will be encouraged to take account of the new guidelines. The LGMSB has also developed a dedicated website to enable local authorities to network and share good practice in relation to What needs to be done? How can it be done? Who is going to do it? General Comments and Target Dates reviewing, strengthening access issues.
Better enforcement. An Garda Siochána and Local Authority Traffic Wardens. DTTAS will continue to liaise on an on-going basis with An Garda Siochána, Department of the Environment Community & Local Government and the National Transport Authority concerning improved enforcement. MARITIME PASSENGER TRANSPORT Assess how the voluntary approach to accessibility improvements on passenger ships/boats is working. Issue a marine notice to owners/operators of passenger vessels regarding the voluntary approach and reminding them of the low cost but effective changes that can be made to improve accessibility. Monitor improvements during certain ship inspections through questionnaires and observation. DTTAS. Marine Survey Office. By end April 2012. End 2013. What needs to be done? How can it be done? Who is going to do it? General Comments and Target Dates Review voluntary Review results of DTTAS. End 2014.
Programme that will have as a core element disability awareness and training relevant to the provision of a service for people with mobility, sensory and cognitive impairments. Disability Awareness Training. Improved consistency in the provision of disability awareness training. PTAC, DTTAS, NTA and NDA Possibilities for the development of common training guidelines for the delivery and implementation of disability awareness training will be considered. Public Transport Accessibility Committee Strengthen the Operation of PTAC Review the role and composition of PTAC with a view to making the Committee more effective DTTAS and PTAC End 2012. What needs to be done? How can it be done? Who is going to do it? General Comments and Target Dates
Disability User Groups Providers of public transport services should be advised by Disability User Groups in the design and provision of their services. Ensure that all major providers of public transport services maintain their disability user groups as DTTAS, major public transport service providers, PTAC, National Transport Authority and Disability user groups have been established by BÁC, BÉ, IÉ and the RPA/Veolia Transport (Luas). Effectiveness of user groups to be assessed with a view to strengthening their role as required. pro-active fora and that they respond constructively to the concerns of users. National Disability Authority. Continue the work of the Maritime Passenger Transport Forum. Annual meetings. DTTAS working with the Maritime Passenger Transport Forum. Annually. Websites DTTAS Website Accessibility upgrades to the DTTAS website. DTTAS The continued updating of the Department’s web site now allows for all recently published documents to be more accessible. A planned new website strategy will enable the Department to produce website content easily and consistently while ensuring better compliance with accessibility requirements. What needs to be done? How can it be done? Who is going to do it? General Comments and Target Dates