Accessible road design aimed at vulnerable people at the Naranjal station of the Metropolitano

Abstract

Accessible road design must meet the needs of people with reduced mobility (PRM), who face significant obstacles in BRT stations due to inadequate infrastructure. Although some improvements, such as ramps and signage, have been implemented, barriers still persist, particularly for older adults and individuals with visual or motor impairments. This study focuses on improving the infrastructure of the Naranjal station of the Metropolitano, considering accessibility, travel times, pedestrian density, and safety. Tools such as VISSIM and StatKey were used to validate simulations and model pedestrian flows with high precision. The proposals include a strategically placed new ramp, exclusive access points with appropriate signage, and the creation of a refuge island. The results demonstrate an average reduction in conflicts of 88.32%, a 22.75% decrease in travel times, and an improvement in the level of service, reaching category A in some areas.