Accessible Design of Low-Speed Automated Shuttles: A Brief Review of Lessons Learned from Public Transit

Abstract

Low-speed, driverless automated shuttles have the potential to significantly improve community mobility for older adults and people with disabilities who are otherwise unable or ineligible to drive. However, accessibility and inclusive design of these shuttles to accommodate the spectrum of human abilities and impairments is impeded by the lack of accessible design regulations, standards, and information tools specific to automated vehicles. In light of the scarce accessibility research on automated shuttles, a literature review on public transit was performed. A total of 66 documents were identified addressing components of the public transit travel chain involving older adults and people with disabilities. This paper reviewed 11 of the documents pertaining to onboard circulation. Findings highlight the importance of vehicle interior design on accessibility and usability for people with impairments, the inadequacy of existing accessibility standards when designing beyond minimum requirements, and a lack of evidence-based design tools and information to support designing for accessibility. An interactive web-based repository for transportation accessibility research is introduced to inform the accessible design of LSAS, along with directions for future research.