Is Accessibility in Public Transportation Limited to Wheelchair Ramps?

We all celebrated the 33rd anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act last week. Most posts in the public transportation field, in this regard, focused primarily on the great achievement of having a wheelchair ramp installed. While this is undoubtedly a huge accomplishment, and the USA takes great pride in leading and implementing it as a policy, is accessibility in public transportation limited to wheelchair ramps? It's time to build on our achievements and explore a wide range of innovative technologies to break barriers for many more riders and make public transportation even more inclusive and accessible to all!

What about making sure that riders are picked up and dropped off seamlessly, even when the bus stop is crowded, or when the riders can’t see which bus is approaching? What about the riders who can't chase after or run after a bus that is about to depart, so the drivers will wait a second for them? We must consider these scenarios and the needs of riders who are repeatedly stranded at the stop.

What about riders struggling to safely exit when the bus stops away from the designated accessible spot or too far from the sidewalk curb? What about riders who need more time to get off but feel embarrassed to shout 'hold on' to the driver in front of other staring passengers? It's crucial to cater to those riders who may need more time to get off the bus without feeling humiliated or rushed.

Furthermore, what about individuals who prefer riding fixed-route buses for greater independence, flexibility, and shorter trips compared to using paratransit services? By improving accessibility in fixed-route services and reducing paratransit expenses, transit agencies can not only achieve cost savings but can also alleviate driver shortage issues and preserve paratransit services for those who truly need them, preventing overload.

LookingBus is such an AI software-based technology that can significantly enhance fixed-route buses, improving reliability, safety, and inclusivity for riders with disabilities and mitigating many of the issues described above. Particularly, LookingBus technology makes the boarding and exiting processes seamless, bringing in a new era of accessible public transportation. 

Let's celebrate our achievements and take the next steps, embracing additional technologies to reach far beyond traditional wheelchair ramps, prioritizing the needs and dignity of many more riders with disabilities 🚍🌟