Zhytomyr received the highest rating for the accessibility of public transport among Ukrainian cities that have already been assessed by experts from the public organization 'Zrus Skelyu'. Specialists noted the modern low-floor transport, functional ramps, driver assistance, and quality voice announcements for passengers. This is reported by Rupor Zhytomyr.
Barrier-free public transport in Zhytomyr: what experts noted
For three days, the team of the public organization conducts a comprehensive audit of accessibility in Zhytomyr. Experts assess the accessibility of public transport, administrative institutions, medical facilities, and urban spaces.
Previously, a similar monitoring took place in Lutsk, Rivne, Ivano-Frankivsk, and Chernivtsi.
The founder of the NGO 'Zrus Skelyu' and war veteran Yevhen Syvoplias stated that Zhytomyr currently demonstrates the best results among already assessed cities.
According to him, the advantages of the city include a large number of low-floor buses and trolleybuses, functional ramps, professional assistance from drivers during passenger boarding, as well as a separate voice announcement system from speakers, which is significantly more convenient for people with visual impairments.
Accessibility in Zhytomyr: what else needs improvement
During the assessment, experts tested the transport in real conditions. They entered and exited buses and trolleybuses several times, evaluating the performance of ramps, ease of boarding and alighting, driver assistance, and informational support.
The head of the NGO 'Union of Persons with Disabilities' Natalia Tsyplinska, who moves in a wheelchair, joined the monitoring. She noted that in recent years public transport in Zhytomyr has become significantly more accessible, and drivers and passengers more frequently assist people with disabilities.
At the same time, she pointed out the problem of special parking spaces. According to her, parking spaces for people with disabilities are often occupied by drivers who have no right to do so, forcing people with mobility impairments to look for alternative parking spots.
After the audit is completed, experts will prepare recommendations for further improving the accessibility of the urban environment. The next cities where such an audit will be conducted are Poltava and Ternopil.
It is worth noting that a 12th Mental Health Center 'Return' has opened in Zhytomyr, specializing in providing free assistance to military personnel, veterans, and their families.