Strategy for the implementation of the law on the equality of treatment for the disabled in the Basel tram network

The Swiss Equality of Treatment for the Disabled Act (BehiG) of 13.12.02 required that disabled people are treated equally to those without a disability. With regard to public transport, this is associated with structural measures at stops and the acquisition of low-floor tram rolling stock. The implementation deadline is set for the end of 2023. The tram network in the cantons of Basel-Stadt and Basel-Landschaft, with 407 tram stop platforms, places particular requirements on the adaptation of rolling stock/infrastructure and on an implementation that is optimum in terms of cost.

In the coming years, investments will be made in these cantons for the acquisition of low-floor trams. The present low access platforms require substantial infrastructure investments, which raises the question of which concept relating to access heights and infrastructure and rolling stock adaptation costs should be pursued further.
Since the end of 2009, EBP has been investigating the following terms of reference:

• The possibilities with regard to a reduction of access heights on existing vehicles and those it is planned to acquire
• The increases or reductions in costs in comparison with the standard rolling stock solutions with regard to acquisitions and operation

If the stops are raised to 27 cm, a large proportion of the existing fleet with folding steps will no longer be able to use these stops, as the folding step will rest on the kerb. As the same time, if these vehicles are remodelled they will no longer be able to use stops with access from street level.EBP has supported the client as follows in finding a solution to these issues:

• Various approaches for the implementation of the law on the equality of treatment for the disabled (migration)
• For the network area of BVB: a remodelling strategy for existing vehicles
• Preparation of the infrastructure costs at the stops
• Calculation of maintenance and operating costs
• Comparison of the variants and recommendations