Online participation in the Oder-Spree district's local transport plan enters its third round: Accessibility in local public transport

In the third phase of public participation for the new local transport plan, the focus is on accessibility in local public transport. Interested parties are still invited to use the interactive map to find out more, make suggestions and contribute their own proposals.

Mobility is a basic prerequisite for participation and quality of life - for senior citizens, families and travelers alike. Accessibility plays a crucial role in ensuring that local public transport can be used by everyone without restriction. Only barrier-free public transport enables independent participation in social life for all age groups.

The Passenger Transport Act, which has been in force since January 2022, stipulates that public transport must be completely barrier-free. Exceptions to this requirement can be made in local transport plans. Accessibility not only benefits people with disabilities, but also senior citizens, parents with baby carriages and travelers with heavy luggage. In addition, barrier-free public transport increases the attractiveness of the entire transport system.

What does accessibility in public transport involve?

• Infrastructure around stops: Step-free access to stops and platforms, adapted gradients, tactile guidance systems for the visually impaired
• Vehicles: Low-floor streetcars and buses with wide doors, ramps for boarding, special areas for wheelchairs, baby carriages and bicycles
• Passenger information: Combination of acoustic and visual information (two-senses principle), guidance systems for the visually impaired, easy-to-understand control panels and simple language - including in the digital area
• Service: Comprehensively trained staff, easy-to-understand fare models and barrier-free replacement services in the event of cancellations

In the context of the current participation in the new local transport plan for the Oder-Spree district, users have criticized the lack of barrier-free access. Stops are often "on the grass", coaches with steps are used at weekends despite a reduced timetable, and communication with drivers is difficult if there are language barriers.

With the new local transport plan, the district is aiming to raise awareness of barrier-free mobility design and create a service that meets the needs of all citizens.