fbpx

Is the Future of Transport Becoming More Inclusive?

13 December 2024

Waymo, the robo taxi company, is disrupting the San Francisco rideshare market, gaining ground while Uber and Lyft see declines. This shift represents more than a business trend—it’s a pivotal moment for accessibility in transportation.

Driverless cars have long promised to revolutionise mobility, especially for the disabled community. But are they living up to the promise?

Waymo graph

 💡 Here’s Where We Stand:

  • Waymo offers Wheelchair Accessible Vehicles (WAVs), but these are currently manually driven—not autonomous.
  • Their Waymo Accessibility Network is collaborating with disability advocates, leading to features like:
    • Purpose-built car sounds to help people with low vision locate vehicles.
    • Distance-to-car compass and turn-by-turn navigation in the Waymo app for seamless pickups.
  • While these initiatives show commitment, the gap between accessible and autonomous vehicles remains significant.
 
💡 The Road Ahead:

Imagine a future where autonomous fleets offer:

  • Wheelchair accessibility as standard, ensuring every passenger can ride independently.
  • Reduced costs for disabled individuals, closing the affordability gap with non-disabled riders.
  • Broader inclusion, proving that technology can serve everyone equally.

But here’s the concern: Will autonomous vehicles actually bridge the accessible transport gap—or could they make it worse?

As ride-hailing services lower rates by eliminating drivers, disabled passengers could face yet another higher price tag because fully autonomous mobility isn’t yet available to them. Is this innovation creating an equal opportunity for all—or leaving the disabled community behind once again?

💬 Let’s Discuss:

At Open Road Access, we believe transport is about more than getting from A to B—it’s about freedom, dignity, and opportunity.

👉 What’s your take? Do you think autonomous vehicles will improve accessibility for disabled passengers—or deepen the divide?

Shape the Future of Accessible Air Travel webinar

Thursday 7th November 2024

12:00 PM (1hr event)

Join Open Road Access and the Rights on Flights campaign for a crucial discussion which will shape the future of air travel. We need to hear from members of the community to create a plan for change and make accessibility not just a promise, but a necessity.