Abstract

FREDERICKS, Jerome P.; VISAGIE, Surona  and  VAN NIEKERK, Lana. Experience-based suggestions for improving accessibility of minibus taxis for wheelchair users. Afr. j. disabil. (Online) [online]. 2025, vol.14, pp.1-12. ISSN 2226-7220.  https://doi.org/10.4102/ajod.v14i0.1699.

BACKGROUND: Accessible transport is a prerequisite for the sustainable developmental goals (SDGs). Without transport, SDGs dependent on community mobility such as health and well-being, education, work and economic growth cannot be achieved. OBJECTIVES: Presenting experience-based suggestions offered by stakeholders to facilitate accessible minibus taxi services for wheelchair users in the peri-urban setting. METHOD: The study setting was Paarl-East, Western Cape province of South Africa. A cooperative inquiry methodology was used. Adult wheelchair users (n = 9) and their caregivers (n = 8), minibus taxi drivers (n = 7) and stakeholders (n = 4) involved in disability matters in the setting participated. Data were collected in 16 group sessions. Inductive thematic analysis was performed. RESULTS: Five themes emerged. Theme 1: The ideal communication platform; the need and purpose of databases of wheelchair users and minibus taxi drivers; the use of social media as a communication platform. Theme 2: Fair economical fares focus on service affordability and payment options. Theme 3: Facilitating ideal behaviour patterns discusses the development of mutual respect. Theme 4: Customised minibus taxis highlight the need for a fleet of minibus taxis with different specifications to address different wheelchair users' needs. Theme 5: Minibus taxi service delivery considerations describes practical strategies such as home pickups and drop-offs CONCLUSION: Current suggestions for solutions need further refinement. Accountability and funding are underexplored. CONTRIBUTION: Presenting experience-based suggestions by stakeholders on facilitating accessible minibus taxi services for wheelchair users.

Keywords : wheelchair users; minibus taxi drivers; minibus taxis; caregivers; access; accessibility; transport; co-operative inquiry; peri-urban; marginalised.

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