Purpose -The purpose of this paper is to provide insights on the most hindering barriers that sight and hearing impaired passengers face when using public transport services. Furthermore, possible convenient solutions to the identified problems shall be presented. To allow for an understanding of these propositions a short introduction and clear definition on sight and hearing impairment is provided. Design/methodology/approach -First a clear definition of sight and hearing impairment is developed to delimit from blind and "normal" persons. A two phase approach was utilized where in the first step qualitative interviews were conducted and the findings were then evaluated based on a literature review. Findings -The authors found a wide variety of different problems being imposed on impaired passengers that could be segmented into four categories ("stops and stations", "vehicles", "general mobility problems" and "public awareness"). Additionally multiple solutions to each of these barriers are presented and the main target group is indicated. Research limitations/implications -Further research is required in the perception of the impaired on specific barriers and solutions, which was only qualitatively provided in this study. Additionally the attitude and awareness of public transport companies towards the recognition of sight and hearing impaired as a specific target group and the implementation of solutions for them are important factors that are not investigated as of yet. Practical implications -As public transport is an ever more important factor in everyday life, the responsible authorities should be made aware of the specific problems imposed on sight and hearing impaired persons. Therefore, this paper provides a first comprehensive list of barriers with convenient solutions that should be considered for a barrier-free public transport system. Originality/value -This paper provides a first introduction of barriers and possible solutions for sight and hearing impaired passengers in public transport systems. Therefore, authorities and public transport companies looking for options to improve their services can lean on these results.

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By using innovative methods, such as the automated transfer of corporate electronic data to National Statistical Institutions, official transport data can be significantly improved in terms of reliability, costs and the burden on respondents. In this paper, we show that the automated compilation of statistical reports is possible and feasible. Based on previous findings, a new method and tool were developed in cooperation with two business partners from the logistics sector in Austria. The results show that the prototype could successfully be implemented at the partner companies. Improved data quality can lead to more reliable analyses in various fields. Compared to actual volumes of investments into transport, the costs of transport statistics are limited. By using the new and innovative data collection techniques, these costs can even be reduced in the long run; at the same time, the risk of bad investments and wrong decisions caused by analyses relying on poor data quality can be reduced. This results in a substantial value for business, research, the economy and the society.

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This article aims at providing a basic understanding of the important, but often neglected field of accessibility in public transport. Accessibility as an inclusive sustainable concept has the goal to enable all people to use the public transport system independently and self-determinedly. The implementation of accessible public transport directly affects different user groups. People who do not have temporary or permanent impairments will also benefit from simpler and more accessible systems. Consequently, the usability and comfort of public transport systems is raised for all persons. Therefore, the paper points out barriers and solutions for different target groups in public transport and discusses solutions for overcoming them. The paper concludes by showing how the consideration of accessibility already in the planning phase of a project can substantially reduce costs and improve the quality of the services, respectively leading also to better economic results.