Speaker
Description
Accessibility in cities plays a crucial role in social integration and quality of life (Grisé et al., 2019; Kenyon et al., 2002; Silva et al., 2023). It determines opportunities for participation in daily life, particularly for vulnerable groups, and enhances urban resilience by ensuring reliable access to transport and services. The ability of cities to withstand crises and change is linked to how well they address accessibility barriers for these groups (Verlinghieri & Schwanen, 2020; Lucas, 2012; Karner et al., 2020).
This study presents serious game workshops conducted across 10 cities in the Horizon Europe UPPER project, aimed at identifying public transport challenges, with a focus on engaging vulnerable groups. Workshops were held in Leuven, Versailles Grand Parc, Valencia, Oslo, Thessaloniki, Mannheim, Hannover, Lisbon, Rome, and Budapest. Each city focused on specific measures like user information, demand-responsive transport, station design, behavior change, and road safety. Despite varied topics, a recurring theme was the need for improved safety and security in public transport.
The serious game method, developed from previous research, aimed to uncover overlooked challenges faced by vulnerable transport users. Each city adapted the game to its specific urban context, defining game concepts, identifying challenges, and designing materials. Participants advanced through the game by responding to ‘challenge cards’ and engaging in discussions.
Many identified issues with bus stop designs, such as slippery surfaces and poorly constructed wheelchair ramps. Some cities had bike lanes creating safety hazards, and participants stressed stronger road rule enforcement. Security concerns emerged, with recommendations for better lighting, cameras, and emergency call buttons. Solutions also included improving accessibility information for those with visual or cognitive impairments.
Discussions led to actionable recommendations like repositioning QR codes, increasing font sizes, and improving visual communication for passengers with disabilities. The workshops highlighted gaps in safety guideline implementation, revealing that best practices were inconsistently applied. Knowledge-sharing allowed cities to assess and adopt better designs for diverse users.
A key insight was the importance of well-trained transport staff, as emphasized by participants in all sessions. Mixed-group participation also helped identify solutions that benefit multiple user groups. Serious games proved to be a valuable tool for identifying public transport challenges and fostering user-driven solutions, contributing to safer, more accessible, and inclusive transport systems.
References
Verlinghieri, E., & Schwanen, T. (2020). Transport and mobility justice: Evolving discussions. Journal of Transport Geography(87), p. 102798.
Lucas, K. (2012). Transport and social exclusion. Where are we now. Transport Policy, 20, 105-113. Retrieved 4 23, 2024, from https://sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/s0967070x12000145
Karner, A., London, J., Rowangould, D., & Manaugh, K. (2020). From transportation equity to transportation justice: Within, through, and beyond the state. Journal of Planning Literature, 35(4), pp. 440-459.
Grisé, E., Boisjoly, G., Maguire, M., & El-Geneidy, A. (2019). Elevating access: Comparing accessibility to jobs by public transport for individuals with and without a physical disability. Transportation Research Part A: Policy and Practice, 125, pp. 280-293.
Kenyon, S., Lyons, G., & Rafferty, J. (2002). Transport and social exclusion: investigating the possibility of promoting inclusion through virtual mobility. Journal of Transport Geography, 10(3), pp. 207-219.
Casiano Flores, C., Vanongeval, F., & Steenberghen, T. (2023). Identification of older adults’ needs as future users of autonomous shuttles: A serious game co-creation approach for inclusiveness. Transactions on transport sciences, 1. doi:10.5507/tots.2022.024
Speelman, E. N., Escano, E., Marcos, D., & Becu, N. (2023). Serious games and citizen science; from parallel pathways to greater synergies. Current Opinion in Environmental Sustainability, 64, p. 101320.
| Keywords | Serious games; Right to mobility; Inclusive mobility; Public Transport. |
|---|---|
| Best Congress Paper Award | Yes |
