The European Concept For Accessibility 2003

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Back to sub-section: 3.2.2 Underground, Trams and Trains

3.2 Public Transport

3.2.3 Taxis

The taxi is a private form of transport that offers a public service and, unlike other modes of transport, can provide a door-to-door service without depending on timetables and without the need to look for a parking space. The importance of this service should not be overlooked as many people find themselves unable to reach a public transport stop, whether for reasons of mobility or due to other problems, such as not knowing the way or agoraphobia (fear of open spaces). Therefore, when it comes to designing public transport facilities for a given environment the role of the taxi should be borne in mind. The measures to be taken into consideration are divided into Essential and Recommendable ones as follows:

Essential Guidelines

The doorway (height and width) should allow access by anybody, regardless of their capabilities or body size.
People in wheelchairs should be able to get in and out without getting out of their wheelchair, and once inside should not have to change seats.
Passenger safety must be ensured: seat belts in the back, fitted child seat and a system for securing pushchairs and wheelchairs.

Recommendable Guidelines

Taxis should be fitted with an intercom so that passengers do not have to lean forward in order to speak to the driver and so that the latter does not have to turn his/ her head in order to hear.
The space between the front and back seats should allow people to stretch their legs.
The driver should be able to make radio contact with someone who speaks the language of foreign passengers.
It would be advisable to create an information helpline for taxi drivers, to be used while driving around, which could help protect them from the anti-social behaviour of some users and provide information about what to do in an emergency (pregnant woman going into labour, somebody fainting, etc.).

However, it should be borne in mind that a door-to-door service is best used in times of necessity, as walking every day is a healthy activity and using a form of public transport designed for numerous passengers is a more environmentaly-friendly alternative.

Footnotes on Taxis
Next sub-section: 3.2.4 Ports and Airports