The non-profit Ability360 worked with members of its community, not only to advocate for a new light rail station, but to design a station that would fit the disabled community's needs.
Ability360's Washington Street Center serves hundreds of people with a wide range of disabilities. Now that center will be served by a train station designed with the input of the people who use the center.
"Beginning in 2013, the Ability360 community began pressing Phoenix’s Valley Metro to install an infill station at the site, lobbying the transit agency as well as local political leaders," Angie Schmitt reports for Streetsblog USA. To serve the center well, access had to be a priority, so Ability360 along with Participatory Planning group Placeit! held workshops to bring in members of the community to get their perspectives.
The final design will differ from other Valley Metro stations in a number of ways. "The new station will have a wider platform, to allow wheelchair users to maneuver around each other. There won’t be any sudden changes of grade for people crossing the street or boarding the train. At the request of the community, it will also have ample shade."
FULL STORY: In Phoenix, a Light Rail Station Designed For, and By, People With Disabilities
Phoenix Announces Opening Date for Light Rail Extension
The South Central extension will connect South Phoenix to downtown and other major hubs starting on June 7.
Phoenix Grant Program Supports Small Businesses During Light Rail Work
Businesses impacted by light rail construction can still apply for grants to make up for lost revenue.
Phoenix Light Rail Extension Opens Two Years Early
Valley Metro’s Northwest light rail extension brings the Phoenix light rail system to a total of 30 miles.
Montreal Mall to Become 6,000 Housing Units
Place Versailles will be transformed into a mixed-use complex over the next 25 years.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
DARTSpace Platform Streamlines Dallas TOD Application Process
The Dallas transit agency hopes a shorter permitting timeline will boost transit-oriented development around rail stations.
Study: 4% of Truckers Lack a Valid Commercial License
Over 56% of inspected trucks had other violations.
Chicago Judge Orders Thousands of Accessible Ped Signals
Only 3% of the city's crossing signals are currently accessible to blind pedestrians.
Philadelphia Swaps Car Lanes for Bikeways in Unanimous Vote
The project will transform one of the handful of streets responsible for 80% of the city’s major crashes.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
City of Mt Shasta
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
US High Speed Rail Association
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
Municipality of Princeton (NJ)