How can we improve the design of vehicles, and other transport modes, to meet the needs of disabled people better? Including those who fall into other protected characteristic groups

Background

The improve transport for the user strategic priority is critical in ensuring the department delivers and maintains a transport system that meets the needs of the public and addresses what they care about most. It puts the needs and expectations of current and potential users (both passengers and freight customers) at the heart of the operation of the transport system and considers about end-to-end journeys, not just individual transport modes. It is focused on ensuring that our infrastructure and the services which use it meet the varied needs of businesses and the public, are attractive, affordable, sustainable, and resilient is a crucial goal for the department.

Next steps

Get in touch with bridgetoresearch@dft.gov.uk

Source

This question was published as part of the set of ARIs in this document:

DFT-Areas of research interest 2023 GOV UK

Related UKRI funded projects


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    The project focuses on developing a new micromobility vehicle-format to improve accessibility for mobility-limited persons, addressing the needs of disabled individuals in transportation.

  • Improving Safety for Older Public Transport Users

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    The project partially answers the question by examining how injuries could be prevented by engineering solutions in public transport vehicles.

  • Responsible Automation for Inclusive Mobility (RAIM): Using AI to Develop Future Transport Systems that Meet the Needs of Ageing Populations

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    The project fully answers the question by addressing how on-demand, electric autonomous vehicles (EAVs) might be integrated within public transport systems to meet the complex needs of older populations.

  • Commercialisation launch strategy for Accessible micromobility (car/bike alternative), with consideration for gender-imbalance, and pedestrian-safety.

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    Lead research organisation: FORZUNA-NAVIGATION LTD

  • FLOURISH

    Connected and autonomous vehicles will play a significant role in a future transport system and unlock enormous social benefits at the same time. FLOURISH looks to enable the delivery of many of these benefits by helpi...

    Funded by: Innovate UK

    Lead research organisation: ATKINS LIMITED

    Why might this be relevant?

    The project partially answers the question by developing an understanding of the diverse needs of older people and others with assisted living needs in the context of connected and autonomous vehicles.

  • Motorway Mobility

    Motorway Mobility is a truly innovative concept that breaks the boundaries of conventional thinking. It is a vision that is aiming at the first global deployment of autonomous vehicles at significant scale to create a ne...

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  • Accessibility & User Needs in Transport for Sustainable Urban Environments - AUNT-SUE

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  • Autoseat Project

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  • INCLUSIVESPACES: DESIGNS, TOOLS & FRAMEWORKS FOR CREATING AN ACCESSIBLE & INCLUSIVE BUILT ENVIRONMENT FOR ALL, FOR NOW & FOR THE FUTURE

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    Why might this be relevant?

    The project introduces inclusive design concepts and tools for creating an accessible built environment, directly addressing the question's objective.

  • AI Mapper: Generative AI-powered Accessible TfL Journey Planner For Disabled People

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    Funded by: Innovate UK

    Lead research organisation: UNIVERSITY COLLEGE LONDON