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The North-South divide Italy
In Italy, the public transport it shows a clear disparity between the North and the South, with more services and covers the northern regions than in southern regions. This gap has been hit particularly hard by the persons with disabilities, you often face great difficulties in the daily commute, with fewer strokes and less services accessible.
The case Edit: why do I need a cover total
Modica is a prime example of a city that needs a cover public transport more widespread and inclusive. The persons with disabilities here they meet significant barriers, by the lack of adequate means to delays and times not very functional. A full coverage, with means that are accessible and frequent, it is essential to guarantee the right of mobility for all.
The transition from AST to SAIS to change: a major change
From 1 July 2024, the management of the urban public transport Modica is passed from AST (Siciliana Trasporti) to SAIS Autolinee. This step marked a significant turning point, bringing with him renovations and innovations designed to improve the quality and the accessibility of the service.
SAIS has introduced a fleet of new buses and modern, all equipped with footrests to facilitate access to people with disabilities. It was also launched an app for monitoring real-time schedules and the location of bus and buy tickets, digital. In addition, they were introduced to tickets at a reduced rate, like the Eco Move Pass, to encourage a more simple and economical.
Despite these important advances, there are still some critical issues: the frequency of strokes in the non-peak hours still remains limited, the information should be made more accessible even those who do not use smartphones, and serves a greater attention to the maintenance of the platforms and the training of staff to ensure adequate care.
SAIS and AST: differences and areas of intervention
SAIS Autolinee it operates mainly in the east of Sicily, with a strong focus on technological innovation and urban services, as evidenced by the recent management of the transport to change. ASTinstead, it is a public company that covers the entire island, with services for intercity and urban, facing the challenge of ensuring mobility over a very large territory.
Public transport and work: provide more options to those who are not driving
Many people with disabilities cannot drive by yourself, and depend completely on the public transport to reach the place of work. Improve the service means not only to ensure the accessibility the physical, but also offer flexible schedules and efficient connections that allow to work without constraints, and delays.
Accessibility for all
Accessibility must be a universal principle, which concerns not only the means but also the infrastructure: bus stops, bus shelters, signage, pedestrian paths, and the ticket must be designed for all people, including the elderly, people with motor disabilities, sensory, or cognitive.
To reduce waiting time: from 1 hour to half an hour
One of the major problems reported is the long interval between one run and the other, often an hour or more. Concrete proposals to improve the transport include the increase in the frequency, especially in the peak hours, and the implementation of means that are small and flexible to ensure more frequent departures and on-demand.
Other solutions to facilitate the movement
- Expansion of services on-demand transport, shuttles are devoted to people with disabilities.
- Reservation systems and communication simplified through the app accessible.
- Collaboration with local associations to map the needs and constantly improve the service.
Useful links:
- The ministry of infrastructure and transport – Sustainability accessible (Page dedicated to the regulations and initiatives for accessibility in public transport in Italy)
- FISH – the Italian Federation for the rights of people with disabilities and families
(The organization that promotes the rights and inclusion of persons with Disabilities) - Association for Mobility Accessible (APA)
(An association that works to promote mobility accessible and inclusive in Italy) - SAIS Autolinee – Services and Accessibility
(The official site of SAIS Autolinee with information on services, hours, and accessibility) - AST – Siciliana Trasporti
(The official website of the AST, with details on public transportation, and services for people with disabilities) - Sicily region – Transport and Mobility
Call to Action
If you are a user of the public transport to Edit and desires contribute to the improvement of the serviceshare your experience! Your opinion is essential in order to build a mobility is more inclusive and sustainable. Enter rightforinclusion.en in the section, or write to info@rightforinclusion.it