PubTrans4All Dissemination Tour
Dissemination Tour Brussels
The first destination of our dissemination tour was the European Union’s capital Brussels where we welcomed guests from various industries to our presentation. Among others, representatives from the European Disability Forum, from the European Multiple Sclerosis Platform as well as from STIB-MIVB – the largest Belgian urban public transport company, attended the event.
The focus of the discussions was the possibility of also installing the new boarding assistance system in tramways . Generally, an installation into trams has been planned, but at that point low floor vehicles were often already purchased. Thus, the installation of the lift in a train wagon was considered of higher importance. There was also a discussion about the possibility of operating the lift for persons in big electronic scooters and wheelchairs resulting in a capacity of carrying a weight of up to 350kg.
Dissemination Tour Budapest
In May the PubTrans4All presentation was held in Budapest. The event was well attended and we were delighted about a full auditorium. Our project partner from the MÁV, the Hungarian railways, Mr. Gitta Ferenc was also our guest. Questions on accessibility were mostly adressed to Mr. Gitta Ferenc during the discussion round that was followed by the presentation.
Dissemination Tour Zagreb
Our project also revived a great interest in Zagreb. Many Croatian disability organizations attended our event. They had great interest in the course and the results of our project. Also, we welcomed one representative from HŻ, the Croatian railways, to whom many questions regarding the lack of accessibility at the trains and the train stations of the Croatian railways were addressed to. Other questions from our guests were directed at our project partner Prof. Simic from the University of Belgrade.
Dissemination Tour Belgrade
The last destination of our dissemination tour was Belgrade, where the presentation was held in front of many interested guests from different sectors. In addition to many other organizations from Belgrade and the surroundings, we could welcome the Accessibility Audit Association, which as a part of the European Concept for Accessibility has already done a lot of work in the area of accessibility as well as representatives from the national Institute of Transportation – CIP.
The focus of discussions in Belgrade was on the bad condition of the Serbian railways. It was mentioned that the Serbian Railways have to make many more essential changes before they could deal with the subject of complete accessibility in depth. In the current trains of the Serbian railways entering and exiting is quite difficult, even for a physically healthy person. Also the national and international railway connections needed to be further developed.
