aim4it – barrier-free public transport for passengers with reduced mobility
Local public transport is an important pillar of sustainable mobility. When developing mobility assistance for passengers with reduced mobility, such as wheelchair users, people with walking difficulties, deaf or blind people, special consideration must be given to user needs. The aim4it project combines the core processes of transport companies with these special customer requirements.
The aim of aim4it is to develop a comprehensive, easily transferable concept for mobility assistance in order to remove the existing barriers to public transport for all user groups. This includes, among other things, a journey request registration system for people with reduced mobility, sign language fault reports, bus driver assistance for wheelchair users as well as passenger information and re-routing in the event of faults. With the help of the aim4it app, travellers can indicate at the planning stage whether they need an extended transfer time and when they might need help getting on and off the bus. The bus or tram driver is then shown on a display in the vehicle at which stop they need to plan a longer stop in order to wait for passengers boarding later. The driver can also see in advance when he needs to fold out the ramp for wheelchair users.
The app's timetable information system receives up-to-date information about the required means of transport from the respective transport company. If a disruption occurs on the planned route, the passenger receives a message on their smartphone in real time. They can use the aim4it app to request an alternative route that takes their specific needs into account. If, for example, the lift breaks down at a stop, a wheelchair user receives a message and, for example, a suggestion to get off one stop earlier and use the lift there.
The app was trialled in Vienna at the beginning of 2016. The experiences of the test users were incorporated into the further development. However, the researchers are still interested in feedback: passengers can share their experiences of the new functions and the support provided by the drivers directly via the aim4it app. This provides the transport provider with important information on how the services can be further improved. The practical test at Wiener Linien has shown that the technical concept works. It can also be transferred to other transport companies. Then aim4it would also be generally available to the public.
Under the leadership of the DLR Institute of Transportation Systems, eleven international research and industrial project participants as well as transport companies from Germany, Austria and Poland worked together in aim4it.
Project title:
aim4it - accessible and inclusive mobility for all with individual travel assistance
Duration:
09/2014 to 06/2016
Project volume:
approx. 1.3 million euros
