Helpful services for handicapped
“The evaluation of the service, provided only by the Societa company for almost two years, has proven that such a type of service is truly needed in Prague and that it needs reinforcement,“ said Cllr. Jiří Janeček. The reason behind it is that different users have different needs, especially those with a higher degree of disability. In such cases it is necessary to provide help before and immediately after the transportation.
Part of integrated transport
The extension of the service for ROPID is provided by the Handicap Transport company. The vehicles are Mercedes minibuses with a platform or a ramp. “For the journey we can provide various aids such as a child’s car seat, crutches, a wheelchair or a stairclimber,“ said Jan Popelář from Handicap Transport, who has been providing these services for the last 25 years.
Transport can be booked on 602 267 040, via e-mail at autodoprava.popelar@centrum.cz or through www.handicap-transport.cz (available only in Czech). The dispatching centre as well as in Societa also employs handicapped people.
Services to be extended
The new vehicles together with the original ones assist heavily disabled people that are not able to get to e.g. a bus stop. Since May, Prague has been providing similar services on its regular route from Jiřího z Poděbrad and the bus stops are located in such a way so that the majority of social and medical institutions could be accessible. What is more, it even goes right into Vinohrady Hospital. “Also this service will be extended and these buses will go to all teaching hospitals in Prague,” said J. Janeček.
Work for disabled
The project of transportation for handicapped people as part of Prague public transport has one more advantage. It can be carried out on condition that the company will employ handicapped people. Thanks to this, another 50 jobs were created for disabled people.
Example for other towns and cities
The European Commission has evaluated the project as exemplary and economical. It was awarded a special prize and should serve as an example for such types of transportation within the EU. This is why in September, Prague is organizing a seminar for mayors of towns and cities that would be interested in providing such services. The new service has been operating since 1st July and will supplement the existing system of minibuses on call with special routes for handicapped people (I1–I3). The service is provided only for the ZTP and ZTP-P card holders.
What is new about the service?
Unlike similar services provided up to now, the new one provided by Handicap Transport also provides assistance services at request. If needed, the disabled person is helped right from the room where they find themselves to the vehicle and then to the room at the passenger’s destination. Such aid may include transportation from bed to a wheelchair and back, movement and transportation in wheelchair to the vehicle, help getting dressed and undressed, getting on and off the vehicle, manipulation with special respiratory equipment and for passengers with 3rd and 4th degree of disability also help with their sanitary and hygiene needs.
For the price of a public transportation ticket
“The transportation ticket will follow regular Prague Integrated Transport (PIT) tariffs, i.e. 26 CZK for one journey in Prague. Transportation can be booked also for places within the larger Prague area which fall within the PIT 1st outer tariff zone, such as Říčany, Černošice, Hostivice or Roztoky,” said Pavel Procházka from ROPID. When travelling from such places, clients will be charged 32 CZK. If travelling only within the area of their community, the tariff will be identical with the one for inner Prague, i.e. 26 CZK. Children from the age of 10 to 15 pay half the price.
