The Lima Metro Line 2 project is an underground mass public metro line connecting east and west Lima and surrounding areas. The goal is to connect people to jobs and services. It links to the other metro lines in Lima to create a metro system to lessen commuting times and provide an easier, cheaper, and quicker alternative to the current reliance on private vehicles and in some cases, public buses (which are not accessible).
The biggest concern is the creation of a metro line, and therefore pieces of a metro system, that is not accessible for persons with disabilities. This would serve to continue the exclusion and segregation for many persons with disabilities in Peru who can not afford to use private vehicles for commuting and exacerbates the high unemployment rate for persons with disabilities. This would substantially limit, or even prevent, persons with disabilities from having a job or going to school. An accessible system built using principles of universal access and universal design would not only benefit persons with disabilities but would also enable older persons, those using strollers and pushcarts, and children, among others, to be able to more easily use the line.
Even though the World Bank is no longer financing the project, the plans for the construction of other stations (3 and 4) of the Peru Lima Metro Line 2 are still ongoing although the accessibility plan has no allocated budget. Currently available in Spanish, the plan stipulates physical accessibility not only within the stations, but outside as well. For the most part however, the plan promises adherence to national standards of universal access for persons with disabilities without detailing what universal access would entail. Additionally, the plan does not include mentions of easily interpreted signage for persons with intellectual disabilities and individuals who cannot read. It is imperative that the World Bank continually consults with local disabled persons’ organizations (DPOs) and the disability community throughout the project cycle in order to make metro lines 3 and 4 fully accessible.
Due to the recent change in Government, there has been a shift of responsibilities among the transportation agencies in Peru. The future of the accessibility plan is unsure at the moment.
The World Bank’s commitment amount was $300 million of the total $5836 million. Although, the World Bank is no longer financing the project.
