Universal design of transportation systems for people with mental impairments and effects of the COVID-19 pandemic

We have examined what barriers people with psychosocial disabilities experience in the transport system after the COVID-19 pandemic. Through qualitative interviews, we have identified crowding, difficulties planning, toilet access, economy, social environment, difficulties finding information, low availability of public communication, sensory difficulties, energy loss, lack of seating and difficulties associated with waiting as problematic barriers. In addition, COVID-19 has led to new barriers with the use of face masks and anxiety related to contamination. Social distancing, on the other hand, has been seen as positive. The main tendency is that the informants travel less than before and / or have switched to using a car to a greater extent. Barriers vary between means of transport, where trains and boats in general are seen as less problematic than bus / train / tram. Measures that can improve travel experiences are access to serenity rooms, exposure courses, information campaigns and available personnel.