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Description
Carnegie Mellon University's RERC on Physical Access and Transportation empowers consumers, manufacturers, and service providers in the design and evaluation of accessible transportation equipment, information services, and physical environments. Project activities build upon previous work to focus on enabling technology and universal design to support independent and efficient multi-modal travel in daily life, including its significant role in employment and social participation.
Services Provided
Research and development activities provide new tools, research findings, guidelines, and products that advance the field of transportation and “last mile” (e.g., the portion of a trip from public transportation to the rider’s final destination) issues. Research Project 1 focuses on understanding real-time trip information and community dialog as methods for empowering accessible travel. Research Project 2 expands the evidence base for boarding and disembarking policies, practices, and products with an in-depth examination of vehicle ramp and interior design in large transit vehicles. Research Project 3 studies para-transit usage and the usability of the “last mile.” Development Project 1 leverages existing technologies to implement software systems to help riders during multi-modal trips. Development Project 2 partners with bus manufacturers, service providers, and transit agencies to produce standards and regulations, reference designs, and vehicle interior concepts ready for commercialization. This project’s training activities increase understanding and build capacity for accessible transportation and pedestrian rights-of-way for a wide range of stakeholders through an online continuing education program, multi-disciplinary research and development experiences for university students, and advanced graduate students. Dissemination outputs include traditional refereed and trade publications; an extensive website with downloadable information products and design tools; and outreach activities with professional, business, and standards development organizations. Finally, a State-of-the-Science conference brings together all stakeholder groups to envision how future transportation systems can support independent transit use and incorporate universal design as a guiding philosophy.