Ghent debuts temporary bus stops as an aid to mobility impaired passengers

The feature provides accessibility on the go

There are times when bus stops need to be closed or temporarily moved due to ongoing roadworks. And while this can present an inconvenience to commuters who are habituated to taking the bus from a specific place, such events are even bigger hindrances and challenges for passengers with mobility limitations.

That’s why the City of Ghent has put its first two mobile temporary bus stops in use, as of yesterday, 4 June. These devices ensure that travellers can retain accessibility to the city buses even in locations that don’t have all the conveniences of a bus stop.

Mobile bus stops are also good for elderly commuters

The mobile temporary bus stops in essence are platforms that level the gap between the sidewalks and the bus floor. Thus, the temporary bus stops have the main purpose of providing guaranteed accessibility – something that not all regular stops in Ghent have been designed to do just yet.

By 2030, 50 per cent of all stops will be fully accessible and 100 per cent of all transfer stops. During a redesign, all stops will now be fully accessible. An integrally accessible stop needs space, and we are freeing it up for this. We cannot compromise on this,” declared Filip Watteeuw, Alderman for Mobility.

The City of Ghent purchased two temporary stops that meet accessibility standards and can be easily set up and taken down. The City places them at locations as close as possible to the original stops.

As for the redesign of those permanent bus stops that don’t meet the accessibility requirements, it will feature a blind guide tile and a raised borderstone.