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Five Ways to Accessible and Inclusive Travel
The Dutch transport system and public spaces do not sufficiently meet the needs of travelers with disabilities. Given that more than two million people in the Netherlands have a disability, this is a pressing issue. At BridgeXR, we have defined five courses of action to tackle it.
1. Understand
What barriers do people with disabilities face during travel? We review existing knowledge through a literature study and fill gaps with new research. This includes a national survey, interviews, and observations of travelers equiped with eye-tracking glasses. We combine these insights into a predictive model that identifies obstacles and assesses the impact of interventions.
2. Design
We develop tools that help governments, public transport companies, and project developers design inclusive infrastructure and signage. These include a Universal Design-based framework and a Virtual Reality toolkit for simulating and testing designs—allowing adjustments to be evaluated before physical implementation.
3. Train
Part of the solution lies in empowering and training people with disabilities. We are developing Virtual Reality training scenarios, Mixed Reality solutions, and personalized eXtended Reality programs. We are also exploring wearable technology and machine learning to deliver tailored training for travelers.
4. Change
To create lasting improvements, accessibility and inclusivity must be embedded in the DNA of governments and transport operators. To support this, we are developing a Theory of Change framework with long-term goals, conditions, and change processes. We are also creating benchmarks and indicators to evaluate accessibility, forming the basis for digital ‘accessibility maps’.
5. Learn
In three use cases—Multimodal Urban Transport, Commuting on Campus, and Long-Distance Travel by Air—we apply our tools and insights in practice. These pilots emphasize co-creation, shared learning, and knowledge exchange. To support this, we are developing learning resources and training modules.
