Equality for the disabled Every fourth bus stop on cantonal roads in Aargau is barrier-free

Of the 770 bus stops on Aargau's cantonal roads, 25 percent are barrier-free. Renovation is planned for 40 percent. There are alternative solutions for bus stops where wheelchair access is not possible, as the cantonal government wrote in its response to a parliamentary question.

The canton of Aargau has taken the implementation of accessibility at bus stops seriously since 2004 and has taken it into account in ongoing renovation projects, the government wrote on Friday in its response to an interpellation from Grand Councillor Miro Barp (SVP). Among other things, he had asked why the Disability Discrimination Act, which came into force in 2004, had not been implemented earlier.

For a long time, the exact requirements for an obstacle-free bus stop were not clear, the government stated. In cooperation with other cantons, Aargau had developed structural standards that "only came into force in 2014". Extensive investigations and road tests were also necessary.

The government also wrote that it was not just about people in wheelchairs. A 22-centimetre-high grab rail would be an added value for all passengers, especially for people with baby carriages, rollators and luggage.

Further projects are on the table

In the canton of Aargau, there are 770 bus stops and 1480 bus stop edges on cantonal roads, plus 500 stops and 850 stop edges in municipalities. Of the 770 bus stops under the responsibility of the canton, 25 percent were already obstacle-free by the end of 2023, and renovation projects were underway for 40 percent.

There are alternative solutions for the stations and stops that have not yet been renovated, for example thanks to help from staff or shuttle services. People with reduced mobility can obtain information via the online timetable and book journeys via the SBB Contact Center Handicap.

SDA