Current trends in the sustainable development of an "accessible environment" in railway transport

Abstract

The number of people with disabilities is steadily growing all over the world and currently there are up to 15% of the total population. About 35 million people with limited mobility live in Russia, including 11.6 million people with disabilities, the most numerous group of disabled people aged over 60 years (57.2 % of the total number). Insufficient adaptation of the tourist infrastructure to the opportunities and needs of people with disabilities is one of the barriers to the formation of an "accessible environment". A study of the barrier-free environment in the country showed a low level of adaptation of tourist infrastructure for different types of tourism (from cultural, educational, therapeutic, to mountain skiing, etc.): Moscow and St. Petersburg - up to 30% of tourist infrastructure is adapted for travel of people with disabilities, in Sochi currently plans to bring up to 60%, in general, in all regions – up to 5%. The most popular transport for organizing tours is rail transport, so the infrastructure on rail transport must meet the requirements of an "accessible environment" for all categories of users. The issues of transport accessibility for the Russian population as a whole and the objectives of achieving sustainable development, considered within the context of providing an "accessible environment" for people with disabilities and people with reduced mobility on rail transport, constitute the development pattern for barrier-free and inclusive rail tourism in the country. Considering the needs of different categories of passengers, Russian Railways carries out complex modernization of rolling stock and renovation of passenger infrastructure (more than 900 passenger cars are equipped with a specialized compartment for passengers with disabilities), designs and promotes new projects in the development of railway tourism together with enterprises involved in the hospitality and tourism industry. However, insufficient tourism infrastructure adjustment to the needs of people with disabilities is one of the barriers to providing an accessible environment. Moreover, special features of mentality and health abilities of people with disabilities, their low purchasing power, and lack of awareness should be taken into account. Consistent implementation of state policy in creating a single barrier-free space for people with disabilities will contribute to their socialization in society and mobility when traveling and when traveling in the tourist and recreational environment