Page 27 - TT mag Sept 2025 Digital Edition

ITS

However, there are several • Better data is needed to and the supporting smartphone
challenges and limitations understand AV acceptance and application. Specifically, it
associated with these technologies. expected AV usage by persons addresses the design of the
Many technologies are still in early with disabilities and other vehicle itself (i.e., access, exit, and
development stages, and retrofitting disadvantaged travelers. internal and external interactions),
existing vehicles for accessibility the smartphone application
often faces design, regulatory From the European perspective, supporting its use (i.e., including
and financial challenges. Further, recent research conducted technical and informational
onboard personnel are currently by the European Commission features), training programs to
essential for providing accessible investigated the accessible design facilitate service adoption, and
services, as fully automated of AVs. “This report provides the need for assistance.”2 The
solutions for all accessibility needs insights into the requirements recommendations resulting from
are not yet mature. for developing accessible AV this research are summarized in the
services, including both the vehicle following table.
This study identified what is
necessary in the future in order to
ensure the accessibility of AVs:
• Automation could enhance AV
accessibility, such as precision
docking for level boarding,
improving mobility device
securement systems, and
freeing onboard staff to focus
on customer service.
• Collaboration and co-creation
with the disability community
is necessary to identify the
accessibility challenges and test
solutions associated with AVs.
• Accessible AVs are still in
prototype stages. Current
approaches include retrofitting
inaccessible AVs or adding
automation to accessible bus
platforms.
• Onboard staff are still being
used for accessibility tasks like
ramp deployment, wheelchair
securement, and customer
assistance. While the future
is moving toward unstaffed
operations, this presents
significant technical and policy
challenges.
• The wide variety of vehicle
platforms, service types, and
rider characteristics require
tailored accessibility solutions.
For example, smaller vehicles
such as AV shuttles face space
constraints if a traveler is in a
wheelchair.

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