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From words to action on improving accessibility

From words to action on improving accessibility

Ministry of Transport

During the first year of the Advisory Council on Mobility Equality and Accessibility (the Council), concrete actions have been implemented to promote mobility and improve the quality of travel for people with disabilities, in cooperation with transport operators and experts representing user interests. The Council has drawn up an action plan covering a wide range of services, from information and ticketing to vehicle compliance.

 The Council's objectives are to promote equality and accessibility of passenger mobility in Latvia by coordinating cooperation between sectoral institutions and non-governmental organisations representing target groups in the field of passenger transport. It also aims to develop a common understanding of mobility equity and accessibility solutions.

 "I am pleased with the Council's first-year achievements - a constructive dialogue has been launched with the industry, involving experts from different fields. Through our discussions, we have found a common vision for a sustainable approach to the provision of services, ensuring that public transport provides a dignified travel experience for all groups of people. Through our work we have identified areas for improvement and have prepared an action plan to implement concrete improvements. The main thing is that we have moved from words to deeds", says Gunta Anča, Chairperson of the Council, Chairperson of the Board of SUSTENTO and Advisor to the Minister of Transport.

The Council's work covers a wide range of transport modes - bus, rail, taxi, air and sea. During the year, significant improvements were made in train services. Since the middle of last year, rail services have been identified with marked stops where raised platforms are available. This allows passengers to plan their journeys in advance from the stations with easy, single-level boarding and with the new electric trains. The upgraded stations also provide audiovisual train information based on real-time traffic data.

The website of “Latvijas dzelzceļš” (LDz) provides information on the accessibility of stations and the mobile lift service, while the website of “Pasažieru vilciens” (PV) provides an infographic for people with reduced mobility. By the end of 2024, the electrified railway lines will provide easy access to train services at 46 out of 77 stops. By the middle of this year, accessibility is planned at all stops on electrified lines.

Significant improvements have been made through projects co-financed by the European Union funds.

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