Sun Xueling on inclusivity of autonomous shuttle services
What features will autonomous shuttle services have to make them accessible and inclusive for wheelchair users, families with strollers, people who are blind and deaf and those who are not proficient in English? Answering this question from an MP in parliament on Wednesday (Oct 15), Senior Minister of State for Transport Sun Xueling said that during the pilot phase, safety operators on the shuttles and ambassadors on the ground will be able to assist passengers. Only larger shuttles will be able to accommodate folded wheelchairs and strollers. Ms Sun noted that the pilot vehicles are being bought from the market and are smaller. Going forward, her ministry plans to look at incorporating more universal design from the outset in both the vehicles and the supporting infrastructure.
What features will autonomous shuttle services have to make them accessible and inclusive for wheelchair users, families with strollers, people who are blind and deaf and those who are not proficient in English? Answering this question from an MP in parliament on Wednesday (Oct 15), Senior Minister of State for Transport Sun Xueling said that during the pilot phase, safety operators on the shuttles and ambassadors on the ground will be able to assist passengers. Only larger shuttles will be able to accommodate folded wheelchairs and strollers. Ms Sun noted that the pilot vehicles are being bought from the market and are smaller. Going forward, her ministry plans to look at incorporating more universal design from the outset in both the vehicles and the supporting infrastructure.
