New Social Taxi Service in Odesa for Individuals with Disabilities
As of October 1, 2024, there are 63,000 individuals with disabilities living in Odesa, including over 4,500 with mobility impairments, 5,229 children with disabilities, and nearly 1,000 individuals with visual impairments.
To create favorable conditions for barrier-free movement for those with mobility impairments, individuals with visual disabilities of groups I and II, as well as children with disabilities, a new social service called «Social Taxi» has been implemented in the city according to the decision of the Executive Committee of the Odesa City Council.
The service will be provided free of charge and will serve as an important step toward ensuring equal opportunities for all residents of Odesa.
As noted by the Director of the Department of Labor and Social Policy, Olena Kytainska, a vehicle can be ordered by calling the short number 15-01 three days before the trip. The service can be used no more than 10 times a month.
«At the launch of this significant project, we have 6 vehicles equipped for transporting individuals with disabilities. This includes 2 vehicles purchased through the city program, 2 vehicles from our partners in Regensburg, and 2 vehicles from our partners, the public organization "Barrier-Free", with whom we have signed a Memorandum,» said Hennadiy Trukhanov.
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The «Social Taxi» service is available for transportation within the city of Odesa from individuals' homes to local government offices, state authorities, courts, healthcare institutions, rehabilitation centers, banks, social, cultural, educational institutions, prosthetic enterprises, and transport hubs, and vice versa (if needed) on working days from 08:30 to 17:30. The waiting time for a special vehicle for a return trip should not exceed 2 hours. Cancellations must be reported at least 2 hours before the scheduled time. If the service is refused after the special vehicle has arrived at the pickup location, the service will be considered used.
Note
Transport services for citizens suffering from chronic kidney failure for trips to hemodialysis are provided by the Communal Institution «Emergency Medical Care Center» upon the family doctor’s request.
