Travel Technologies for All (Social and business opportunities in the creation of inclusive mobility)

Information technology and ITS are endemic to transport service provision and key to the user experience. These technologies have great potential to create better, more user-friendly and inclusive transportation systems. However, there are accompanying risks; if technological innovations do not account for the needs of all users, people will be excluded. Gaps remain in uptake by some older adults and people with disabilities, who may face various challenges in engaging with travel technologies. This book focuses on approaches to developing transport technologies and systems that everyone can use, and the resulting social and business benefits.

Technology covered in the book includes both customer-facing and back-office systems, though the main focus is on the services that the travelling customer comes into contact with, the personal devices that deliver transport services, and infrastructure-based services like ticket machines, as well as new transport services that have been enabled through technology.

The book is divided into 4 sections. The first part gives detailed global facts and figures relating to demographic trends and forecasts (especially ageing and disability), and technology uptake.

Part II reviews the transport and technology revolution in terms of service provision and mobility. It is international in scope, with expert authors contributing perspectives from different regions.

Part III provides stakeholder perspectives, looking at how to improve end-user engagement with technology, and how the needs of older people and those with disabilities can be incorporated into the design process.

Part IV anticipates how technology might go on to change transport in the near- and longer-term future, and how this will impact more vulnerable users. Additional chapters look at uptake of personal technologies and autonomous vehicles, which have potential to enhance mobility.

Travel Technologies for All: Social and business opportunities in the creation of inclusive mobility is a vital read for professionals and researchers who wish to facilitate inclusive mobility for all. It aims to help the reader better understand the user experience and needs of those who face age-related challenges or who have a disability, in a rapidly evolving technology-based society.