Understanding barriers to the diffusion of innovations for accessible and safe bus systems

Paper in proceeding, 2015

Dissemination and implementation of accessibility solutions carry practical and technical challenges. In order to fully understand the barriers to diffusion a number of other influencing factors must also be acknowledged stretching well beyond practical, design or technological challenges. Part of these factors concern surrounding factors including: a political/societal level in terms of policies and political vision and legal and regulatory factors (including procurement); an organisational level including organisational culture, organizational leadership and vision; as well as an individual level including attitude, knowledge and expertise. In addition, some factors are generic whereas others have been recognized as influencing the diffusion and implementation of specific parts of the public transport system: more precisely new vehicles, infrastructure, information systems and ticketing systems respectively. Other factors are related to the process applied when developing and implementing the innovation including cooperation and collaboration between different stakeholders and participation of users. Facilitating implementation of innovations require actions on different levels such as making use of the possibilities of innovation procurement, creating a supporting culture within the organisation responsible which requires a clear and long term vision and strong leadership, and a structured implementation process with defined phases and decision gates.