Transformation of public mobility spaces: Participatory strategies for accessibility and urban equity

Accessibility is increasingly recognised within mobility transition discourse, yet it often remains insufficiently integrated into planning and governance structures. Based on the Austrian flagship project „Transformator:in”, this paper investigates how accessibility emerges within public mobility space transformation processes. Drawing on a qualitative workshop involving representatives from seven Austrian pilot projects, the study identifies recurring structural challenges concerning fragmented knowledge, unclear responsibilities, normative tensions and low prioritisation. The findings demonstrate that accessibility is rarely absent entirely, but is frequently addressed reactively rather than systematically embedded within transformation processes. Building on Design for All, mobility inclusion and socio-technical transition perspectives, the paper argues that accessibility should be understood not as an isolated technical requirement, but as a structural quality criterion shaping inclusive mobility transformation processes.