Thua Thien Hue province: Will put accessible bus routes for persons with disabilities into operation

The new bus route operates from 5:30 a.m to 5:45 p.m daily with the frequency of operation from 20 minutes to 30 minutes per trip during peak hours, and from 50 minutes to 60 minutes during off-peak hours. All 42 buses which put into operation are 100% new buses manufactured in 2022 according to European standards, with 18 seats and 8 standing seats.  In particular, this is the first time that buses in Thua Thien Hue province have been equipped with accessible ramps and priority areas for persons with disabilities using wheelchairs. This is a great effort of the government as well as businesses in ensuring accessibility criteria to enhance the ability to participate in traffic for persons with disabilities.

“The local authority always cares about creating essential conditions to support persons with disabilities when participating in traffic. Therefore, when bidding, the Department of Transport asked for accessible items for persons with disabilities on buses. This is one of the conditions that if the units participating in the bidding meet, will be awarded points. I hope that this new bus system will contribute to increasing the participation in traffic of persons with disabilities in society”, was shared by Mr. Ngo Van Tien - Deputy Head of the Transportation Management and Vehicle Registration Department, Department of Transport of Thua Thien Hue Province.

A bus equipped with an accessible ramp for persons with disabilities

Moreover, Mr. Nguyen Cong Hoang - Phuong Trang Bus Joint Stock Company - Futa Bus Lines in Thua Thien Hue province shared: “ Persons with disabilities have great difficulty in movement, that's why Phuong Trang company put the bus line with accessible items for persons with disabilities into operation in order to serve their need to travel by public transport. Currently, there are only ramps, handrails, and priority seats on the bus, we want to invest more in other items so that persons with disabilities can have more comprehensive access”.

In addition, ACDC has been coordinating with Phuong Trang Passenger Car Joint Stock Company FUTA Buslines to install an audio system to announce bus stops with an LED screen on 20 buses with 29 seats; at the same time, organizing training courses on working with persons with disabilities in traffic for drivers, driving assistants, their managers, etc. This has contributed to perfecting the accessible traffic model for persons with disabilities in Thua Thien Hue province.

The route map of Dong Ba Bus Station - Phong Binh Bus Station helps persons with disabilities look up information conveniently

To achieve these achievements, local agencies and organizations have constantly innovated and developed in the process of building an inclusive environment for persons with disabilities when participating in traffic. From now on, persons with disabilities in Thua Thien Hue province can access public transport easily and conveniently. ACDC expects that there will be more agencies, organizations, and businesses paying attention to the integration of persons with disabilities.