VICTORIA – BC Ferries has been working with students at the University of Victoria (UVic) on a project to improve accessibility for customers with mobility challenges. When travelling on BC Ferries, wheelchairs are available at major terminals, however the distance of the walkways and ramp variations depending on the tides can pose challenges for customers requiring assistance and mobility aids. BC Ferries has an accessibility committee that meets regularly to identify improvements, however, new solutions are always needed.
UVic’s Faculty of Engineering was looking for a real-life business challenge for the class of 450 first year engineering design students to work with a client and come up with innovative solutions. The students were given an overview of BC Ferries’ major terminal layouts, ships and the current challenges facing customers with mobility restrictions and the employees assisting these customers.
“This project gives our engineering students an opportunity to take on a real-world engineering problem right at the start of their program,” said Peter Wild, UVic engineering professor. “Through this experience, they develop an early appreciation for important dimensions of the engineering profession including client interactions, teamwork and design process.”
“Our current wheelchair technology and assistance program does not always meet the mobility challenges of our customers and the requests for assistance are increasing,” said Corrine Storey, BC Ferries’ Vice President of Customer Services. “Working with the UVic students has provided us with a fresh perspective on avenues we can pursue, whether it is acquiring new mobility aids, changing the process for our assistance program or implementing a technology solution.”
The students have been working on the project since September with assistance from
BC Ferries managers and presented their final designs, prototypes and ideas to BC Ferries at an awards ceremony on Friday, Dec. 4. The students worked in small teams and the projects were evaluated based on presenting a creative proposed design that meets the project need by judges from BC Ferries, the UVic Faculty of Engineering and representatives from local engineering and accessibility organizations. The winning projects included alternative transportation devices as well as a powered mover for wheelchairs and received prizes donated by UVic and BC Ferries.
