Guidebook for Designing an Accessible Environment

The purpose of this guidebook is to define the accessibility requirements of the surface reconstructions, architectural and interior designs, public transport developments and the services and products of the transport manager company. This guide was published in June 2024 and includes best practices previously implemented in Budapest. 

Guiding principles and recommendations

Road renovations, public space reconstructions, tram and bus stop constructions, underpass renovations, customer center creations, establishment of office and technical areas, as well as vehicle and equipment procurements within Budapest.  

The document is based on the methodology of inclusive planning, the essence of which is that it does not differentiate between disabled and non-disabled people, but rather proposes solutions that create a comfortable and safe environment for all citizens. 

The 7 principles of inclusive design include the aspects that must be taken into account when creating a product, tool, or service that can be used by everyone. Through short examples taken from transport industry, the principles are easy to understand. 

• Equal use: Everyone can board the low-floor vehicles comfortably. 

• Flexibility: Tickets can be purchased at customer centers, at vending machines, and in the BudapestGO application. 

• Simple operation: BudapestGO’s short, simple animated videos help you to understand how the application works. 

• Easy-to-perceive information: We deliver information simultaneously through several channels. 

• Minimizing errors: An important function of ticket vending machines is the possibility of cancellation, which is available until the start of payment.  

• Minimal effort: Most of BKK’s vehicles have had their doors open automatically for decades, and the photocell doors in the customer centers also serve this purpose. 

• Providing adequate place and space: Primarily to ensure physical accessibility, e.g., when approaching and using elevators; creating wider doors, gates, and corridors for wheelchair users. 

This guide describes the special transport needs of people with different types of disabilities on the surface, under the surface and on the board of the vehicles. With these special needs in mind, the document defines the design aspects of the various street furniture, orientation aids, stairs, elevators and equipment related to the ticketing system. In addition, it contains interior design regulations for public spaces and customer service centers. 

 At the end of this document there is a checklist containing the most important accessibility requirements. 

This planning guide may be useful for other cities in establishing accessible environments or creating similar guidebook for them.