Abstract
Purpose: Public transport drivers are an intermediary between transport
infrastructure and passengers with disability. The purpose of this study was
to understand the perspectives of public transport drivers on their encounters
with passengers with disability, and the impact this has on public transport
inaccessibility.
Method: A qualitative research approach was applied. A semi-structured
interview guide was utilised to collect data from public transport drivers.
Thematic analysis was used to analyse data and an inductive approach was
followed to allow data to determine themes.
Results: The study found that public transport drivers operate under challenging
conditions. The drivers’ main issues and challenges are lack of training and
knowledge on disability, negative attitudes displayed by passengers, and
having to satisfy conflicting demands from both employers and passengers with
disability. The conflicting demands are intensified by the lack of universally
designed vehicles and infrastructure.
Conclusion: The actions of transport providers contribute to transport
inaccessibility. The identification of issues and drivers’ concerns in this study
could help to enhance driver training, improve transport services and enrich
inputs into public transport policies.