In Lviv, monitoring has been stepped up of how public transport drivers approach boarding platforms. From the end of July to 11 September, specialists from the control unit of the city transport department drew up 70 reports against offending operators. The total amount of fines imposed is 119,000 UAH.
On-site inspections to check compliance with contracts signed with transport companies are carried out in the city on an ongoing basis. The transport department of Lviv City Council stresses that correctly pulling up to the stop is a mandatory condition of contracts with operators and an important element of safety and convenience for passengers, particularly older people, parents with prams and people with disabilities.
When stopping, the bus must pull up as close as possible to the kerb to make boarding and alighting easier. According to the head of the Lviv City Council transport department, Oleh Partyka, the requirement to approach the boarding platform is not a mere formality but has a direct impact on the accessibility of urban transport.
“Pulling up to the boarding platform or kerb is not a formality, but an important component of the accessibility of urban transport. When a bus stops far from the boarding platform, this creates additional difficulties and even danger for passengers. That is why this requirement must be strictly observed every time road conditions allow. The aim of our daily inspections is not simply to issue fines, but to remind drivers of their responsibility and the need to comply with these rules on every route,” said Oleh Partyka
Residents are being urged to help monitor the quality of services. If a driver does not pull properly up to the kerb, passengers are advised to draw the driver’s attention to this and, if ignored, to report it to the City Hotline on 1580, stating the route number, time, name of the stop and, if possible, the vehicle registration number of the bus. The department sees residents’ reports as an additional tool for rapid response to violations.
Special training sessions for public transport drivers in Lviv are held regularly with the involvement of experts. These sessions cover the physical accessibility of transport, proper interaction and appropriate communication with different categories of passengers.
At the same time, the city is investing in adapting its infrastructure. As of 1 July, the community has installed 227 barrier-free stops, and 78% of urban transport is fully accessible to people with limited mobility.