CTA: New accessibility standard for self-service kiosks in air, ferry and train terminals

OTTAWA, Dec. 17, 2014 /CNW/ - Starting December 31, 2016, any newly installed automated self-service kiosks used for such things as check in, printing of boarding passes and baggage tags at Canadian air, ferry and train terminals should be accessible to travellers with disabilities, with the ultimate goal of ensuring that 25 percent of kiosks are accessible by December 31, 2022.

This is the expectation of the Canadian Transportation Agency's recently amended Code of practice: Removing Communication Barriers for Travellers with Disabilities. The standard is harmonized with the new United States Department of Transportation (DOT) rule published late last year, providing greater predictability and consistency across North America for travellers with disabilities.

The standard was developed based on input received during consultations with the Agency's Accessibility Advisory Committee, which consists of representatives from associations representing the interests of persons with disabilities, major Canadian airlines, passenger railway companies, ferry operators, as well as with air industry stakeholders and the Canadian Airports Council. A two-year implementation period is provided to account for current technical and manufacturing limitations.

Quick Facts
The standard applies to the following terminals and carriers:

Airports within the National Airports System linking Canada from coast to coast;
Canadian air carriers that operate aircraft with 30 or more passenger seats;
Rail carriers and terminals serving 10,000 or more passengers yearly; and
Ferry operators and terminals in respect of vessels of 1,000 gross tonnes or more between provinces or between Canada and the United States every year.