Passengers' Accessibility to Heavy Rail Systems

The main objective was to produce guidance for governments and railway operators on best practice in achieving full accessibility to their services and facilities. COST 335 was based on guidelines drawn up by the ECMT (European Conference of Ministers of Transport) and on a report from the working group on accessibility of the UIC (Union Internationale des Chemins de fer), which directed the requirements towards harmonisation of rolling stock standards and a more holistic approach: economic aspects, access to and within a station, the interface between station and rolling stock, rolling stock design (including dimensions for seating layout and wheelchair space, regulatory framework, addressing legislation/regulation, codes of practice/guidance and the maintenance and monitoring of standards.