Automated vehicles have the potential to make a significant difference to disabled people.
However, until now, only limited research had been undertaken to explore if they are being designed accessibly, and how to embed inclusive design, if not. This prompted the Motability Foundation to fund us alongside TRL (formerly known as the Transport Research Laboratory), to carry out research together into the suitability of automated transport for disabled passengers.
The project was initiated by TRL and RiDC in response to growing concerns that the needs of disabled people are not being taken into consideration by the teams designing self-driving vehicles and planning for transport services using them.
In this research project, we aimed to identify the benefits and challenges that automated transport offers, the extent to which the sector is currently considering accessibility and offer principles to support the design of automated vehicles and services. It aimed to explore how disabled people could become regular users of self-driving vehicles.
The research project included an evidence review, and engagement with automated technology developers, transport operators and disability organisations. Panel members also tried out an existing self-driving minibus to provide more valuable insight into the customer experience.
Over 800 disabled people completed RiDC’s survey exploring the barriers and opportunities of automated transport. Sixteen panel members then took part in a series of three focus groups, discussing the potential benefits of automated transport for disabled consumers.
Finally, RiDC ran two in-person usability studies with panel members, where disabled people tried out the CAVForth self-driving commuter bus and explored the accessibility of a Fusion self-driving minibus.
Dr George Beard, Head of New Mobility at TRL, said
“We were delighted to partner with RiDC on this important research project and it was a absolute pleasure working with the team."
"The team’s professional, organised, knowledgeable and friendly approach ensured we were able to quickly develop a strong working partnership and as a result the project was a true collaboration.
"RiDC’s expertise in conducting user research with disabled people shone through from the outset, and we certainly hope to be able to work together again in future”.
The evidence laid out in the report supports the need for guidance to designers to ensure development of inclusive automated transport technologies and services. The detailed feedback from disabled consumers in the report made it possible for designers to better understand the needs, perceptions, and challenges faced by disabled people.
It also warned that without careful consideration, automated transport systems could replicate or even exacerbate the barriers disabled individuals currently face when using existing transport modes.
“(Automated transport systems) could be a game changer for access and independence, if it's done correctly with accessibility considered from the early stages of design.”
– Survey Respondent
Lisa from Motability Foundation said:
"Through this research grant and the work of experienced organisations, TRL and RiDC, we can better understand the ways transport accessibility needs to change."
"This report highlights both the exciting opportunities and the significant challenges that must be overcome to ensure transport is truly inclusive and everyone benefits from accessible features.”
News of the report was posted on motoring related news sites, and the research won an award in the ‘Design’ category at the Self Driving Industry Awards in November 2024.
Editor, Neil Kennett, on behalf of the judging panel, said:
“We are delighted to present our 2024 Design Award to TRL and the Research Institute for Disabled Consumers (RiDC) for their ground-breaking project to ‘support the development of inclusive automated transport technologies and services by understanding the needs, perceptions, and challenges faced by disabled people’.
“To deliver on the oft-quoted benefit of increasing mobility for those who can’t or shouldn’t drive, we must ensure that self-driving vehicles are indeed accessible for everyone, not just 80% of the population.”
