Provision of public transport information for people with disabilities by New Zealand Regional Councils

Abstract

This research explores methods of communicating public transport information for people with disabilities. The purpose is to identify ways to improve the accessibility of public transport information for people with disabilities. The approach includes a review of international techniques for communicating public transport information followed by a survey identifying current practice in New Zealand. The provision of public transport in New Zealand involves Regional Councils, Local Authorities and public transport operators. To gather a range of perspectives regarding current practice and potential methods to improve communication, a postal survey was distributed to local authorities in New Zealand who are responsible for planning and funding public transport in New Zealand including the Auckland Regional Transport Authority (ARTA). The survey found specific provisions for communicating public transport information for people with disabilities in New Zealand are limited. However, improvements are planned in the near future by a number of councils. Further research is required to determine the quality of current information and to ensure improvements meet the needs of passengers in the future.