Universal design is critical to urban development projects. Growth of urban centers occurs naturally as cities develop and grow. However, when a project is contemplated that will change the face of the city, universal design is both desirable and essential. People live in cities and the degree to which they can easily traverse and navigate the city may determine whether urban development is successful.
In reality, however, most urban environments remain inaccessible and dangerous to navigate. Heavy traffic, crowded streets with a number of obstacles, and open sewers and drains all threaten people’s safety, particularly elders, people with disabilities, children, pregnant women, etc. Even in some cities which have been making progress in accessible environment, it is common to find incomplete projects or deficient work with poor quality designs, materials or finishing. Introducing universal design into urban planning can increase safety and comfort, reduce accidents, and consequently, lower health care costs and increased productivity.
Transport with universal design: Bus Rapid Transit in Latin America
Most of the examples of universal design in transport are found in Latin American cities. The subway systems of the largest Latin American cities have already incorporated universal design features in their newer stations in Buenos Aires, Rio de Janeiro, São Paulo, Mexico City, and Santiago. Also, universal design features making the Quito trolley and Bogotá's "Transmilenio" bus system accessible to persons with disabilities. More than a thousand low floor buses are in operation in Buenos Aires and smaller deployments are found elsewhere.
Curitiba in Brazil is often cited for its highly successful urban planning including its accessible transport system. The city’s public transportation adopted Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system, used by 85% of city's population of about two million. The raised platforms are used at each express bus stop, served by bridges attached to bus entrances that are lowered to span the gap between bus and platform. Platforms are accessed from the street via accessible ramps and handrails or, alternatively, by stairs along with elevators to ensure easy access to the physically disabled, senior citizens, pregnant women or baby carriages. The stops along these lines are totally a part of the Integrated Transportation Network (RIT), covering over 300 kilometers, which provides easy access to many people.
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