MEETING THE NEEDS OF DISABLED PEOPLE: THE GERMAN SOLUTION

This paper describes the development in Germany of buses, adapted for use by people with mobility handicaps, which can be used on scheduled services. The requirements for such vehicles are described and trends towards the design of low floor buses outlined. Collaboration is described between transport operators and vehicle manufacturers to develop designs for bus transmission, chassis, and body which can all be used in a bus with a very low floor. A research project is also underway to assess experience with low floor buses already in service. A typical extra-low platform bus and options for adapting it further are presented diagramatically. The use of raised bus stops and the possible need for guiding devices are discussed. It is considered that improvements for the disabled will benefit all users. For the covering abstract of the conference see IRRD 854402.