Institute of Transportation, MOTC

　　The operation practice is following the proposed structure made by the study of “The Plan and Design for Fixed Route Barrier-Free Public Transportation Service”. Thanks to the assistance from the Taipei Bus Division, the study has the chance to practice this special project in Taipei. Through the practice, the study can find if anything needs to be improved before drawing the conclusion. The conclusion of this study is expected to be a fine example for all cities and counties in this country, whenever they would like to implement a similar service in their jurisdictions.

　　During this practice two special services are provided, a regular barrier-free bus service and a special barrier-free exclusive bus service for people with disabilities only. Through the practice in Taipei, it is found that because the operating time for the new equipment installed on regular buses is too long, the traffic in a busy city like Taipei can be disturbed significantly. In addition, the bus turnover rate can also be affected significantly. This is the reason why the frequency of the former special service is difficult to increase, especially during rush hours. To improve this situation, it is suggested that (1) the government can subsidize bus companies to buy more specially designed barrier-free buses in order to better serve people of higher levels of disability, and (2) the government can issue regulations to encourage bus companies to replace their regular buses with low-floor buses. In coordinating with the improvement of a barrier-free walking environment, it is expected that the goal of a completely barrier-free transportation service will achieved.