The recent announcement regarding an increase in single bus fare caps won’t be the only barrier to using public transport that people face next year. According to research, 72% of people with complex needs use some form of public transport every day, and yet nearly half (45%) of these users feel that their needs aren’t being supported¹.
Accessibility and inclusivity are just some of the challenges that people with disabilities encounter on buses, trams and trains. Ciara Crossan, head of creative (transport) at textile manufacturer, Camira, discusses how operators can ensure that transport interiors are designed with passengers in mind.
Public transport as a lifeline
Many people across the country rely on public transport, and when it stops feeling safe, affordable and accessible, many are left stranded and excluded. Statistically, people with disabilities are the least likely to have support networks around them or have the same chance to feel like part of their local communities². Being able to access and enjoy these connections does a lot to combat loneliness and boost confidence. This is why it’s so important that more is done to tackle accessibility barriers.
To make a space inclusive to all, means removing physical and psychological barriers – colour, texture and material choices of an interior are all crucial. The aesthetics of a fabric and how it fits with the overall interior of a bus or coach can make a significant difference to the confidence, wellbeing, safety and travel experience of individuals living with dementia, neurodiversity or other complex needs.
Inclusivity considerations
At the heart of transport design is the need to make sure that interiors are a place for all members of society. Accessibility is in the details and the considered application of pattern and colour can provide much more comfort, interest, meaning and purpose.
Specifying the correct details is vital to ensuring people of all ages and abilities can find a seat, sit down safely and make their journey at ease. This means, the seats must be made as visible as possible.
Colour sensitivity may diminish with age and ability, and there may also be a reduction in peripheral vision, and depth perception. For people living with dementia or neurodiversity, it can change the way a person perceives a space. For example, strong geometric or bold patterns can become distorted, appear to move or cause visual illusions which can be very distressing, cause disorientation and even lead to a higher risk of falls.
Using contrasting materials with no busy patterns can be helpful. It is understood that the blue end of the spectrum is lost first and therefore, when using colours such as blue and green, a more vibrant, saturated colour will be more distinct.
Fabric is just one part of the puzzle
Carefully selecting the right colours and patterns for transport interiors can be a challenge. To aid operators in making these decisions, Camira provides custom patterns and colours to ensure that requirements are tailored to users’ needs.
Contrast is also particularly important to consider – providing contrast between two objects, for example seating fabric and the floor, prevents objects from blending into one another.
Leather-look vinyls are an extremely popular textile with operators due to their soft and stretchy texture and wipe down cleanability, which means less light is reflected off the surface. Reflective materials and finishes should be avoided when designing for inclusive interiors, as they can be distressing for some transport passengers.
Light Reflective Values
Camira’s design team consults with experts in the field of inclusive design to understand how a person experiences the world around them – this is key to making design choices. Camira has worked with the Faculty of Health Studies at Bradford University to understand how people with Dementia might interact with transport interiors and fabrics.
Applying Light Reflectance Values (LRVs) to Camira’s textiles enables transport operators to measure how much light reflects off a surface – 0% (black) all light is absorbed, to 100% (white) where all light is reflected. The British Standards Institute recommends providing at least 30% Light Reflective Value difference between objects and their backgrounds to ensure sufficient contrast for them to be seen.
Camira is now working on applying LRVs to every colourway, in each of its transport fabrics to provide further insight for operators when choosing their interior fabrics.
There is no ‘one size fits all’ approach when it comes to inclusive public transport interiors, but the more transport services to do to engage with their local communities and customers, the more insight and knowledge we have to ensure that all members of society are supported when travelling and can remain independent and connected with their friends, families and communities.
For more information, please visit www.camirafabrics.com
