In Rennes, a trip planner improves accessibility for persons with reduced mobility

Open data and digital innovation in the service of accessibility for persons with reduced mobility

In Rennes Métropole, improving all forms of mobility is a priority. The transport authority is notably working to develop tools for the general public that encourage “walkability,” or pedestrian accessibility, within the city and its networks. The goal is to improve local mobility, especially for persons with reduced mobility, including people with disabilities, the elderly and young parents with strollers. 

The development of this tool was facilitated by Rennes Métropole’s open data policy, which provides access to all its road data (including about road types, dependencies and construction). Keolis teamed up with software developer Someware, a specialist in designing mapping tools, to adapt its Handimap trip planner to the specific needs of the Rennes area.

A highly accurate and free trip planner

Handimap calculates all pedestrian routes for the STAR application, which equates to nearly 100,000 routes daily. While other trip planners suggest routes in the middle of the street, Handimap recommends routes on sidewalks and indicates where to cross the street. When users check the “Accessibility” box on the “Trip planner” page, Handimap proposes accessible routes considering three types of information:

- Sidewalks, pathways, passages, public transport and more

- Ground conditions (such as road slopes, steps, presence of cobblestones and sidewalk width) 

- Urban events such as construction (if recorded in the database)

This precision surpasses other online mapping services, as Handimap eliminates areas that are inaccessible to people with disabilities or reduced mobility, thus improving the accessibility of the region.

An innovation endorsed by persons with reduced mobility organizations

The primary benefit of Handimap relates to usage. Users have given positive feedback regarding accessibility: the system’s relevance and its ability to deliver genuinely suitable routes have been praised by local organizations, such as Collectif Handicap 35, which have been involved in the project from the start.

Another benefit is the successful partnership between Keolis, Rennes Métropole and the local startup Someware. The project is energizing the region's startup ecosystem and enabling the development of a forward-thinking solution that aims to expand throughout France and internationally.

Toward even more precise trip planning

The first few months of operation have identified several areas for optimization. The first is to provide an even more comprehensive map with more data, such as the configuration of metro station entrances and exits and identifying specific facilities (such as elevators and escalators). An “indoor” map is also being considered to improve accessibility for persons with reduced mobility and disabled people within stations.

A second improvement area involves the real-time detection of obstacles such as cars parked on sidewalks and occasional construction work.

Finally, other features are being studied to expand Handimap’s use cases. For example, creating “cool routes” prioritizing shady areas and water sources in hot weather or generating tourist walking routes around the city’s main points of interest are potential features currently being explored.