Perceived transport infrastructure and service measures for people with disabilities in the City of Tshwane, South Africa

Introduction Transport accessibility is a core component of transport equity, encompassing not only the physical availability of infrastructure but also the quality of service. In South Africa, progressive transport and disability policies emphasize universal access; however, people with disabilities continue to experience significant barriers in everyday mobility. This study aims to identify perceived transport infrastructure and service measures for people with disabilities in the City of Tshwane, South Africa. Methods A quantitative research design was adopted using a structured questionnaire administered to people with mobility, vision, and hearing impairments. Data were collected from 214 respondents across the City of Tshwane. Respondents rated 16 transport-related measures on a 5-point Likert scale. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and exploratory factor analysis (EFA) in SPSS. Reliability testing using Cronbach’s alpha was conducted to assess the internal consistency of the extracted factors. Results Descriptive statistics indicated that all transport measures were perceived as important, with intersections with safety devices, reliable transport services, cheaper fares, and reserved seating receiving the highest mean scores. EFA revealed three underlying dimensions: (1) infrastructure and service quality measures; (2) physical accessibility measures; and (3) bus service and awareness measures. Discussion The findings highlight that accessibility for people with disabilities is multidimensional and shaped by both infrastructure and service delivery. The results emphasize that transport equity requires integrated interventions that combine service quality improvements, accessible infrastructure, and institutional support. The findings provide user-centered evidence to guide inclusive transport planning and policy development in the City of Tshwane. By highlighting priority measures, this study contributes to the literature on transport equity and accessibility.