Inclusive Spaces

/ Geneva (Switzerland)

Geneva, Switzerland

Geneva (Switzerland)

– Inclusive mobility hubs in urban areas
Geneva is a vibrant city and canton in Switzerland, that is renowned for its dynamic economy. Comprising 45 municipalities and home to about 500,000 people, Geneva has experienced significant growth, with its population rising by nearly 50% from 340,000 in the mid-70s. This makes it one of the most densely populated and economically active regions in Switzerland. As a hub for many international organisations, Geneva is characterised by its diversity, with 40% of residents being non-nationals.
Geneva’s mobility infrastructure is characterised by:

  • An excellent public transport system featuring buses, trolleybuses, trams, urban / regional / long distance trains as well as local boats (“mouettes”) crossing Lac Léman. The modal share for public transport in 2015 was 16.6% showing a 30% increase from 2000.
  • The road network is congested, with a modal share of 38% in 2015 (including motorcycles), reflecting a 28% decrease from 2000. According to the 2021 TomTom congestion ranking, Geneva is the 75th most congested city globally, with 22% of households car-free in 2015.
  • There has been a substantial rise in active transport modes like cycling and walking, with a modal share of 34.1% in 2015, marking a 31% increase since 2000.
  • Geneva is embracing innovative transport modes, including human-driven on-demand buses, autonomous shuttles, bike-sharing, car-sharing, car-pooling and ride-hailing.

Approximately 15-19% of Geneva’s population aged 15 and above faces some form of disability. 19% of those face a physical handicap, 28% a psychological handicap and 40% a mental handicap. InclusiveSpaces is undertaking several initiatives to enhance mobility and accessibility:

  • Inclusive Infrastructure Design: CMO is engaging diverse groups to co-design inclusive mobility hubs by incorporating universal design principles.
  • Data Collection and Analysis: Collaborating with MLAB to gather data from individuals with special needs, by means of apps and outdoor sensor, which are being installed by SWARCO
Geneva Switzerland | aerial view

InclusiveSpaces is undertaking several key initiatives to enhance mobility and accessibility in Geneva:

Community engagement and collaboration

Inclusive Infrastructure Design: CMO is engaging diverse groups to co-design new infrastructure that incorporates universal design principles, making mobility hubs more inclusive

Data collection and analysis

Data Collection and Analysis: Collaborating with MLAB to gather data from individuals with special needs

Outdoor assistive technologies

Outdoor Sensors: SWARCO is installing sensors at one mobility hub to detect the presence of people with accessibility issues and inform relevant transport operators, ensuring timely assistance (SWARCO)