Accessibility at TMB

The history of accessibility in Barcelona began in 1991 when the Parliament of Catalunya passed its first accessibility law. Then, in 1992, the first Paralympic Games took place in the city. These two milestones marked the beginning of a new age in society and the introduction of public transport adapted to the needs of all people.

The first routes of adapted buses were also put into service in 1992, featuring low-floor vehicles with ramps. TMB began a journey towards accessibility from a social perspective. 
des d’una vessant social.

In 2010 TMB drew up its Universal Accessibility Master Plan in collaboration with various organisations of people with disabilities.  

TMB manages accessibility from a technical, cross-cutting perspective that is integrated throughout the entire company. Under its Master Plan, TMB manages and adapts its transport services and infrastructures to break down barriers and strive for universal accessibility. 

Through its Universal Accessibility Master Plan, TMB adopted a new diversity management model and created a team of accessibility professionals:

• It delivers quality in terms of social policy.
• It is managed in-house to support the transformation process.
• It aims to redefine the concept of mobility service.
• It draws on the diversity management model.
• It involves a cultural and technical transformation of people and processes.
   

In 2018 TMB developed the Operational Code, a system for managing universal accessibility. It serves as a guide to applying accessible measures, taking into account relevant regulations and the special needs of all travellers. 

The Operational Code is made up of fifteen groups of professionals from the metro, bus and other TMB transport networks. 

These teams design solutions to ensure accessibility in TMB vehicles, infrastructures and services.
 

We are working on a range of projects in several areas of accessibility:

• Ideal bus stop accessibility manual: descriptive guide of the accessibility conditions to be met by the various types of bus stop in urban areas.
• Improving the usability of buses’ interior: study on the accessible conditions to be met by the vehicles, in terms of space and other elements. 
• Taking action to achieve a 100% accessible metro network: in keeping with the commitment made for 2024
• Revising and updating the metro routing manual: analysis of the Route Design Manual and adaptation to the accessibility regulations for public buildings. 
• Pilot test for the SOS Point - defibrillator in the metro: installation of desfibrillators in the metro network.
• Proposal for signage in lifts: "Absolute priority use": pilot test prioriry for people with reduced mobility since 26 June 2020 at the Sagrera and Glòries metro stations. 
• Study to improve the autonomy of people with intellectual disabilities: development of a ten-step guide for TMB staff and a guide to using public transport for people with intellectual disabilities. The study is being carried out in collaboration with Dincat. 
• Research project to improve the mobility of the elderly on the bus and metro networks: study on the needs of the elderly in terms of accident prevention, especially on the bus. 
• Accessibility analysis from a gender perspective: study of critical points and points for improvement in accessibility, with special attention to signposting, the use of gender-neutral language and safety.