Understanding Visually Impaired Tramway Passengers Interaction with Public Transport Systems

TL;DR

This study explores how socio-technical networks influence accessibility for visually impaired tram passengers, emphasizing the complex interactions between humans and technology in creating inclusive public transport experiences.

Contribution

It applies Actor-Network Theory and mixed methods to identify key factors affecting accessibility for visually impaired users in tram systems.

Findings

Accessibility depends on interactions between actors and technology.

Digital tools support navigation and social inclusion.

Directional audio and tactile feedback are highly valued.

Abstract

Designing inclusive public transport services is crucial to developing modern, barrier-free smart city infrastructure. This research contributes to the design of inclusive public transport by considering accessibility challenges emerging from socio-technical systems, thus demanding the integration of technological and social solutions. Using Actor-Network Theory (ANT) as a theoretical framework and a mixed-method approach, including shadowing and a focus group, this study examines the socio-technical networks that shape accessibility experiences for visually impaired passengers utilizing the tram in Linz, Austria. Key dimensions that influence public transport accessibility are identified: network configuration, mobility patterns, technology integration, and warning systems. The results show that accessibility emerges from complex interactions between human actors (passengers, staff) and non-human actors (assistive devices, infrastructure) rather than being an inherent property of transport systems. Digital technologies serve multiple functions, from navigational assistance to broader social inclusion, although users comfort with technology varies. Participants emphasized the importance of the two-sense principle for warning signals, with directional audio and tactile feedback particularly valuable.