The Role of Ergonomic Handrails in Inclusive Public Transport: User Aspects, Accident Risks and Design Guidelines
Year: 2025
Type: conference-paper
Abstract: Inclusive design is not a design framework provided by legislation, but a design strategy that takes into account the diversity of abilities of users. Ensuring the mobility of people with disabilities is central to their social inclusion, which is why accessibility standards have been developed. Some elements of this are costly (e.g., low-floor vehicles), but simple and cost-effective solutions can make a significant difference in inclusive public transport. This paper uses qualitative methods—interviews, case studies and literature review—to illustrate one of the problem areas, the difficulties of grabs, and one of the potential areas for improvement: grab rails. In non-crash accidents, properly designed handholds play a key role in preserving the integrity of passengers and in creating a sense of physical/psychological safety, contributing to intuitive and independent use and to the social sustainability of public transport.
Authors: Balázs Lenkei, Rita Földesi
Institution: Széchenyi István University
Language: English
Subfield: Transportation
Field: Social Sciences
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: gold
OpenAlex ID: W4416138588