Inclusive Transit Design: Ergonomics, Experience and Equity in Public Transport Interiors

Transit interiors play a vital role in supporting comfort and convenience for urban travellers; however, they are often designed without sufficient consideration of end users. In many cases, public transport interiors remain limited to basic accessibility compliance, leading to problems such as inadequate space allocation, inefficiently positioned grab handles, insufficient tactile guidance, congestion and other usability barriers. This research proposes the integration of inclusive ergonomics into the interior design of urban transport systems. A mixed-methods approach was used, comprising a review of global literature and an exploratory survey of 31 metro users from varied demographic groups, who assessed accessibility, seating, wayfinding and safety. The findings indicate that positive attributes included good signage (71%), adequate lighting (68%) and clear emergency systems (74%). Conversely, weaker areas included seating comfort (50%), the placement of grab handles (42%) and circulation space (39%). Although contemporary metro interiors provide certain basic accessibility functions, they do not consistently achieve full inclusivity, particularly for users who require additional physical or sensory support to travel comfortably and confidently. Transit interiors should therefore be understood not only as functional spaces but also as environments that address physical and emotional needs. When implemented effectively, inclusive ergonomics can support dignity, safety and security within public transport systems. As this is a pilot study with a relatively small sample, the findings provide preliminary observations on inclusivity challenges experienced by young metro users.