Enhanced Design of Low-Floor Bus for Senior Passengers in Korea.pdf

This study aims to contribute to the enhancement of senior mobility by proposing design improvements to alleviate the discomforts experienced by seniors using public transportation. With the rapidly increasing proportion of the elderly population in South Korea, the importance of senior mobility is becoming increasingly significant. Mobility is crucial for maintaining the quality of life and health of seniors, yet accessibility to public transportation, such as buses, declines due to muscle weakness associated with aging. Although the introduction of low-floor buses has mitigated some boarding and alighting challenges for the transportation disadvantaged, further improvements are necessary in areas such as the location of stop buttons, the number of seats, and their positions. Based on interviews with 16 seniors aged 60 and above and observations of passenger behavior inside actual buses, the process of recognizing stops and alighting was analyzed through a user journey focused on the senior bus alighting experience. The results indicate that bus design for seniors should consider factors such as minimal vertical movement, easily accessible stop buttons, increased seating, and a more effective visualization of real-time location information. A design prototype incorporating features like a low-floor design and a double-click stop button was developed to address these design requirements, aiming to alleviate discomfort and facilitate easier access to public transportation for seniors.