Accessible Transport Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) Ari Seirlis National Director(QASA) The QuadPara Association of South Africa (QASA) “developing the full potential of quadriplegics & paraplegics”

The ability to access jobs, education, and public services is a fundamental part of human development. As a result of transport being almost exclusively in the hands of private vehicles and uncoordinated paratransit operators, Cities now suffer traffic congestion, air & noise pollution, accidents and a loss of sense of community. BRT is recognised as the solution to providing high quality mass transit services in a cost effective basis to urban areas by providing a functional network of public transport corridors. This puts the community first and transforms cities into more liveable spaces and provides great equity across the entire population Bus Rapid Transit is a high quality bus based transit system that delivers fast, comfortable, and cost effective urban mobility through the provision of segregated right-of-way infrastructure. An Accessible Travel Chain (incl. sidewalks and pedestrian crossings) also integrating non motorised transport can create a sustainable and effective, healthy urban environment. The BRT transport system comes out of successful models in; Curithiba and Bogata in Columbia and Brisbane in Australia. The principle ingredient of a successful BRT system is not technical skill: It is the political will to make it happen. The DoT has committed to BRT! The Disability sector through SADA, says “we will be part of this from the beginning to the end” What is Bus Rapid Transit (BRT)?

The Constitution: Act 108 of 1996 Chapter 2 The Bill of Rights: Section 9 Equality No person may unfairly discriminate directly or indirectly against anyone on one or more grounds in terms of subsection (3)…including disability. National legislation must be enacted to prevent or prohibit unfair discrimination. Section 9 Human Dignity Everyone has inherent dignity and the right to have their dignity respected and protected. Section 24 Environment Everyone has the right- to an environment that is not harmful to their health or wellbeing; Promotion of Equality and Prevention of Unfair Discrimination Act (PEPUDA), Act 52 of The Equality Act Chapter 2 Prevention, Prohibition and Elimination of Unfair Discrimination, Hate Speech and Harassment. 9. Prohibition of unfair discrimination on ground of disability Subject to section 6, no person may unfairly discriminate against any person on the ground of disability, including- a) denying or removing from any person who has a disability, any supporting or enabling facility necessary for their functioning in society; b) contravening the code of practice or regulations of the South African Bureau of Standards that govern environmental accessibility; c) failing to eliminate obstacles that unfairly limit or restrict persons with disabilities from enjoying equal opportunities or failing to take steps to reasonably accommodate the needs of such persons.section 6 Legislation & Policy

UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (3 rd May 2008) Article 1: The purpose of the present Convention is to promote, protect and ensure the full and equal enjoyment of all human rights and fundamental freedoms by all persons with disabilities, and to promote respect for their inherent dignity. Article 4: (b) To take all appropriate measures, including legislation, to modify or abolish existing laws, regulations, customs and practices that constitute discrimination against persons with disabilities; Article 9:Accessibility 1. To enable persons with disabilities to live independently and participate fully in all aspects of life, States Parties shall take appropriate measures to ensure to persons with disabilities access, on an equal basis with others, to the physical environment, to transportation, to information and communications, including information and communications technologies and systems, and to other facilities and services open or provided to the public, both in urban and in rural areas. These measures, which shall include the identification and elimination of obstacles and barriers to accessibility, shall apply to, inter alia: (a) Buildings, roads, transportation and other indoor and outdoor facilities…… Legislation & Policy

DOT Public Transport Strategy (March 2007) Accelerated Modal Upgrading Short term transformation of Bus, Taxi, Rail services Integrated Rapid Public Transport Networks An affordable but rapid service to minimise travel times and ensure safe, convenient and comfortable travel. All these services to be 100% accessible. Non motorised transport facilities will be pout in place. Long distance coach and rail facilities to be improved and accessible. By 2014 High Quality Rail (SARCC) & BRT Corridors (12 cities, 6 Rural districts) By 2020 more than 85% of a metro City’s population must be within 1km of an Integrated Rapid Public Transport Network trunk From Operator controlled to Municipal controlled fully integrated Legislation & Policy

The DoT formed the Task Team on Accessible Transport to initiate the implementation of the DoT Public Transport Strategy. The South African Disability Alliance (SADA) mandated QASA and NCPPDSA to lead all “Access” issues in the sector. Khibi Manana(Chief Director: Public Transport Ibrahim Jim Stanbury(Arcus Karin Liebenberg(Arcus Ari Therina DoT Task Team on Accessible Transport

The QuadPara Association of South Africa (QASA) “developing the full potential of quadriplegics & paraplegics”

It is the intention and mandate of the Task Team to ensure: - A fully integrated, Universally designed and affordable transport facility which will cater for all “special needs” passengers. - This is to be evident at all information and booking services, platforms and stations and all busses. - All Complimentary Bus services and Feeder Bus services to and from the BRT must be accessible. - Commuter Forums to include representation from the disability sector in all cities & rural areas. - Safety of passengers considered in all modes. - A door to door service available for those passengers who cannot safely navigate the BRT and this can be operated by appropriate NGO’s - All contractors and service providers to BRT must be sensitized and trained. - Employment and Empowerment opportunities must be available and accessible for persons with disabilities. - Consultation with the Task Team members and Commuter Forum members on all decisions taken The SADA Mandate and Role of the Disability Sector

Interaction with Cities & Rural Districts CityVisitProgress eThekweniMay 2008 Slow progress, need to re-visit Buffalo CityOctober 2008 Planning started TswaneMay 2008 Planning started Johannesburg May 2008, November 2008, December st Station reviewed (Joubert Park) Cape TownMay 2008 Planning started Port ElizabethJune 2008 Planning started BloemfonteinAugust 2008 Slow progress, need to re-visit Nelspruit Polokwane Rustenburg EkureleniDecember 2008 Planning started PietermaritzburgFebruary 2009 Very little progress and the Task team has concerns

BRT Accessibility Guidelines: Tom Rickert Bus Rapid Transit: Planning Guide (June 2007) Lloyd Wright The Department of Transport (DoT) JHB Dept. of Transport Arcus Gibb Joan Seirlis Architect YouTube Videos to watch: The QuadPara Association of South Africa (QASA) “developing the full potential of quadriplegics & paraplegics” Acknowledgements & References Joubert Park Station ready for review