Accessible Transport Bus Rapid Transit (BRT)

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Accessible TransportBus Rapid Transit (BRT)

• Ari Seirlis
• National Director(QASA)

The QuadPara Association of South Africa
(QASA) developing the full potential of
quadriplegics paraplegics
2
The ability to access jobs, education, and
public services is a fundamental part of human
development. As a result of transport being
almost exclusively in the hands of private
vehicles and uncoordinated paratransit
operators, Cities now suffer traffic congestion,
air noise pollution, accidents and a loss of
sense of community.BRT is recognised as the
solution to providing high quality mass transit
services in a cost effective basis to urban areas
by providing a functional network of public
transport corridors. This puts the community
first and transforms cities into more liveable
spaces and provides great equity across the
entire populationBus Rapid Transit is a high
quality bus based transit system that delivers
fast, comfortable, and cost effective urban
mobility through the provision of segregated
right-of-way infrastructure. An Accessible
Travel Chain (incl. sidewalks and pedestrian
crossings) also integrating non motorised
transport can create a sustainable and effective,
healthy urban environment.The BRT transport
system comes out of successful models in
Curithiba and Bogata in Columbia and Brisbane in
Australia.The principle ingredient of a
successful BRT system is not technical skill It
is the political will to make it happen.The DoT
has committed to BRT! The Disability sector
through SADA, says we will be part of this from
the beginning to the end
What is Bus Rapid Transit (BRT)?
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The Constitution Act 108 of 1996
Chapter 2The Bill of Rights Section 9
EqualityNo person may unfairly discriminate
directly or indirectly against anyone on one or
more grounds in terms of subsection (3)including
disability.National legislation must be enacted
to prevent or prohibit unfair discrimination.Sect
ion 9 Human DignityEveryone has inherent dignity
and the right to have their dignity respected and
protected. Section 24 Environment Everyone has
the right- to an environment that is not harmful
to their health or wellbeingPromotion of
Equality and Prevention of Unfair Discrimination
Act (PEPUDA), Act 52 of 2002. The Equality
ActChapter 2 Prevention, Prohibition and
Elimination of Unfair Discrimination, Hate Speech
and Harassment.9. Prohibition of unfair
discrimination on ground of disability Subject
to section 6, no person may unfairly discriminate
against any person on the ground of disability,
including- a) denying or removing from any
person who has a disability, any supporting or
enabling facility necessary for their functioning
in society b) contravening the code of
practice or regulations of the South African
Bureau of Standards that govern
environmental accessibility c) failing to
eliminate obstacles that unfairly limit or
restrict persons with disabilities from enjoying
equal opportunities or failing to take
steps to reasonably accommodate the needs of such
persons.
Legislation Policy
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UN Convention on the Rights of Persons
with Disabilities (3rd May 2008) Article 1 The
purpose of the present Convention is to promote,
protect and ensure the full and equal enjoyment
of all human rights and fundamental freedoms by
all persons with disabilities, and to promote
respect for their inherent dignity. Article 4
(b) To take all appropriate measures, including
legislation, to modify or abolish existing laws,
regulations, customs and practices that
constitute discrimination against persons with
disabilities Article 9Accessibility 1. To
enable persons with disabilities to live
independently and participate fully in all
aspects of life, States Parties shall take
appropriate measures to ensure to persons with
disabilities access, on an equal basis with
others, to the physical environment, to
transportation, to information and
communications, including information and
communications technologies and systems, and to
other facilities and services open or provided
to the public, both in urban and in rural areas.
These measures, which shall include the
identification and elimination of obstacles and
barriers to accessibility, shall apply to, inter
alia (a) Buildings, roads, transportation and
other indoor and outdoor facilities
Legislation Policy
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DOT Public Transport Strategy (March
2007) Accelerated Modal Upgrading Short term
transformation of Bus, Taxi, Rail
services Integrated Rapid Public Transport
Networks An affordable but rapid service to
minimise travel times and ensure safe,
convenient and comfortable travel. All these
services to be 100 accessible. Non motorised
transport facilities will be pout in place. Long
distance coach and rail facilities to be
improved and accessible. By 2014 High Quality
Rail (SARCC) BRT Corridors (12 cities, 6 Rural
districts) By 2020 more than 85 of a metro
Citys population must be within 1km of an
Integrated Rapid Public Transport Network
trunk From Operator controlled to Municipal
controlled fully integrated
Legislation Policy
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The DoT formed the Task Team on Accessible
Transport to initiate the implementation of the
DoT Public Transport Strategy.The South African
Disability Alliance (SADA) mandated QASA and
NCPPDSA to lead all Access issues in the
sector.Khibi Manana (Chief Director Public
Transport Strategy) mabusek_at_dot.gov.zaIbrahim
Seedat (DoT) seedati_at_dot.gov.zaJim
Stanbury (Arcus Gibb) jstan_at_gibb.co.zaKarin
Liebenberg (Arcus Gibb) kliebenberg_at_gibb.co.zaA
ri Seirlis (SADA) info_at_qasa.co.zaTherina
Wentzel (SADA) therina.wentzel_at_vodamail.co.za

DoT Task Team on Accessible Transport
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The QuadPara Association of South Africa
(QASA) developing the full potential of
quadriplegics paraplegics
8
It is the intention and mandate of the Task
Team to ensure - A fully integrated,
Universally designed and affordable transport
facility which will cater for all special
needs passengers. - This is to be evident at
all information and booking services, platforms
and stations and all busses. - All
Complimentary Bus services and Feeder Bus
services to and from the BRT must be
accessible. - Commuter Forums to include
representation from the disability sector in all
cities rural areas. - Safety of passengers
considered in all modes. - A door to door
service available for those passengers who cannot
safely navigate the BRT and this can be
operated by appropriate NGOs - All contractors
and service providers to BRT must be sensitized
and trained. - Employment and Empowerment
opportunities must be available and accessible
for persons with disabilities. - Consultation
with the Task Team members and Commuter Forum
members on all decisions taken
The SADA Mandate and Role of the Disability Sector
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Interaction with Cities Rural Districts
City Visit Progress
eThekweni May 2008 Slow progress, need to re-visit
Buffalo City October 2008 Planning started
Tswane May 2008 Planning started
Johannesburg May 2008, November 2008, December 2008 1st Station reviewed (Joubert Park)
Cape Town May 2008 Planning started
Port Elizabeth June 2008 Planning started
Bloemfontein August 2008 Slow progress, need to re-visit
Nelspruit
Polokwane
Rustenburg
Ekureleni December 2008 Planning started
Pietermaritzburg February 2009 Very little progress and the Task team has concerns
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BRT Accessibility Guidelines Tom
Rickertwww.globalride-sf.orgBus Rapid Transit
Planning Guide (June 2007) Lloyd WrightThe
Department of Transport (DoT)JHB Dept. of
TransportArcus GibbJoan Seirlis Architect
YouTube Videos to watchhttp//www.youtube.com/wa
tch?vUA4IR7PvO6I http//www.youtube.com/watch?v
guodaBkDPP0 http//www.youtube.com/watch?voDnk
zNh9qBs http//www.youtube.com/watch?vnXI4-5R8p
k0 http//www.youtube.com/watch?vUZl1N6bTp_M

Acknowledgements References
Joubert Park Station ready for review
The QuadPara Association of South Africa
(QASA) developing the full potential of
quadriplegics paraplegics
11
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