In Lviv, training on accessibility will become mandatory for public transport drivers. The program will be expanded to city carriers, and by the end of autumn, the city expects to receive another 11 low-floor trolleybuses from the Czech Republic. The development of accessible transport in Lviv will be combined with practical training for drivers. Changes are reported by Lviv City Council.
Drivers in Lviv will undergo practical training
Memorandums of cooperation have been signed by LKP “Lviv Electric Transport”, LKP “ATP-1”, and NGO “Active Rehabilitation Group”. The project “Know. Be able. Practice”, which was previously pilot for tram and trolleybus drivers, will become a permanent program for public carriers.
Drivers will practice how to interact with passengers in wheelchairs, elderly people, and parents with strollers. This is an important addition to the renewal of the rolling stock: even low-floor buses on Lviv routes do not guarantee a comfortable ride if the driver does not know how to properly assist a passenger.
«Accessibility starts with people», emphasized the deputy mayor for accessibility issues, Irina Marunyak.
According to her, accessible transport and stops must be accompanied by respect for the needs of every passenger.
Lviv expects 11 trolleybuses by the end of autumn
Theoretical training for drivers has been conducted in the city for several years. About 1300 employees have participated in classes with professional experts. Now the focus will be on practice so that drivers can rehearse specific situations.
Currently, about 82% of public transport in Lviv is low-floor. By the end of autumn, the city plans to receive another 11 trolleybuses from the Czech Republic. Earlier, a 12-meter low-floor bus was also put into circulation on Lviv routes.
Combining updated transport with mandatory training should make trips more comfortable for a larger number of people. At the same time, 82% is still not the entire city rolling stock, so Lviv will need to continue modernization and training of employees.