Document Type
Professional Plan Capstone
Original Publication Date
2021
Client
PlanRVA
Location
The Richmond Region
Date of Submission
May 2021
Abstract
Accessible public transportation services are vital to promoting a healthy, livable, and thriving region. For people with physical disabilities, the inability to access services and activities can have a harmful impact. A lack of personal mobility may lead to a decreased quality of life and the inability to advocate for one’s rights. Given the region's growing population, as well as increased disability rates, providing accessible public transportation services is crucial.
While public transportation services are required to be accessible under Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, supporting infrastructure oftentimes creates additional barriers. For example, poorly maintained sidewalks leading up to designated bus stops contribute to unsafe traveling conditions for people with disabilities. The purpose of the Disability Inclusive Transportation plan is to address these barriers, often referred to as First Mile Last Mile problems, to increase accessibility for individuals with physical impairments (i.e., visual, auditory, or ambulatory).
Through a three-step methodology, this plan analyzes the nine localities in the Richmond region to better understand where there is a need for improvements, what barriers look like, and how they impact people with disabilities. This analysis is important for the Richmond region as it is experiencing rapid growth and development. The recommendations provided by this plan can be used to inform how the built environment should be integrated concurrently with development to enable more inclusive transportation systems.
Rights
© The Author
Is Part Of
Master of Urban and Regional Planning Capstone Projects