Public transport for all? Assessing the STIB-MIVB stops in Brussels

Abstract

This paper analyses the state of public transport (PT) stops in Brussels through the lens of inclusiveness for disabled persons. The approach mixes qualitative perspectives (including talks and field trips with numerous NGOs, disabled individuals using PT and public authorities) and a comprehensive quantitative analysis of 2 487 stops across the STIB-MIVB network. The study found that the production of PT stops depends on a wide range of stakeholders. The degree of stops’ inclusiveness has been inherited largely from times when little attention was paid to travellers with specific needs. Despite significant efforts over the past years, a notable share of PT stops is still not inclusive, although shares vary subject to the travel constraints considered. There is no clear geographical pattern of inclusiveness, except at the scale of specific PT modes (underground stations vs surface stops) and several homogeneous bus or tram corridors.

Keywords

• public transport
• mobility
• disability
• transport equity