A Step Towards Inclusive Design: Comfortable Maximum Height of a Bus Step for the Elderly Mexican Population

Abstract

In Mexico, public transport has emerged as one of the most viable options for the transportation of elderly people; however, the characteristics of buses have become an obstacle to their use. The aim of this research was to determine the maximum comfort height of a bus step for the elderly Mexican population. Twenty-one older adults participated in this study. The participants were asked to select the height they considered comfortable from four step options, which were built taking as a reference the maximum height established by The General Norm of technical nature SM/IMTJ/002/2014. The results showed that there is a relationship between the performance of physical activities and the choice of step height. Considering the results, it is suggested to establish a measure between 15 and 20 cm for the first step of the bus.