UIC Oelschläger Genève V /11/2009 Rail Travel for Persons with reduced Mobility (PRM): Service Provider Views Dirk Oelschläger Senior Advisor Passenger Transport

UIC Oelschläger Genève V /11/2009 Legal Basis UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Passenger Rights Regulation (EU Regulation 1371/2007): “PRR” TSI PRM (Commission Decision 2008/164/EC) Full and effective participation and inclusion in society Accessibility “on an equal basis to others” to transportation Right to transport Accessible Information Access to all services Assistance provision InfrastructureRolling StockTelematics applications for passengers

UIC Oelschläger Genève V /11/2009 Persons with other impairments Disabled persons = severely handicapped persons Disabled persons and PRM – Who are they? Passengers carrying small children Elderly people Pregnant women Blind and sight- impaired Deaf and audibly impaired Mentally handicapped Wheelchair users Persons with communication difficulties The PRR distinguishes between “disabled persons” and “PRM”. The definition of PRM provided by TSI PRM (Decision 2008/164/EC), however, comprises disabled persons. !!

UIC Oelschläger Genève V /11/2009 Disabled persons and PRM – What do they need? Blind and sight-impaired  Pre-travel information in accessible formats e.g. websites, printed materials in audio format  Tactile guiding information  Assistance for ticket purchase  Assistance at embarking and disembarking  On-board space for guiding dog  Real-time information in audible form during the journey  Special attention in case of lateness and broken connections

UIC Oelschläger Genève V /11/2009 Disabled persons and PRM – What do they need? Deaf and audibly impaired  Induction loops at ticket counters and help points  Visual accurate departure information in real time e.g. sign language interpreted departure information  Visual travel information at stations and on board trains

UIC Oelschläger Genève V /11/2009 Disabled persons and PRM – What do they need? Mentally handicapped  Pictogram signage  Easy read timetables  Comprehensive information, specially in case of irregularities  Easy to use ticket vending machines  Special attention in case of lateness and broken connections

UIC Oelschläger Genève V /11/2009 Disabled persons and PRM – What do they need? Wheelchair users  Lower height ticket counters  Assistance at embarking, disembarking and changing trains  On-board space for wheelchair  Spacious and accessible toilet

UIC Oelschläger Genève V /11/2009 Disabled persons and PRM – What do they need? Passengers carrying small children Pregnant women Elderly people  Space for pram  Diaper changing table  Comfortable seat on board  Possibilities to rest at stations  Advice at journey planning and ticket purchase  Comprehensive information, specially in case of irregularities  Assistance at embarking, disembarking and changing trains  Information in multiple languages (of which at least English)  Uniform pictograms  Special attention in case of lateness and broken connections Persons with communication difficulties

UIC Oelschläger Genève V /11/2009 Railways at your service – What can we offer? Assistance  At the interface platform ↔ train  On board a train Allowing a companion for travel  Under certain conditions for severely handicapped unable to travel alone  Based on commercial decision or national legislation Reduced fares for elderly people  Based on commercial decision or national legislation For free

UIC Oelschläger Genève V /11/2009 Railways at your service – What can we offer? Mobility packages  Luggage porter services  Electric cart services within large stations  Pick-up and drop-off services at home Discount schemes  Travel and/or companion discounts for disabled people On commercial basis (against payment)

UIC Oelschläger Genève V /11/2009 Railways at your service – What do we need? Assistance booking at due time  For national journeys usually not later than 24 hours prior to departure  For international journeys not later than 48 hours prior to departure European Handicapped Pass  To identify the eligibility of its holder for national discount schemes  To facilitate uniform tariff rules for travel for companion(s)

UIC Oelschläger Genève V /11/2009 Railways at your service – What do we need? Fair contracts for Public Service Obligations  Investment support for improving accessibility in stations and modernisation of rolling stock  Commitment on additional staff availability in trains and on stations  Transparency between compulsory facilities and those to be offered on voluntary, commercial basis  Compensation for free or concessionary travel facilities for PRM, if applicable

UIC Oelschläger Genève V /11/2009 Railways at your service – What do we need? Reliable Investment Schemes  Reasonable migration path for making stations and trains accessible  Reliable funding agreements between governments, railway undertakings and rail infrastructure providers longer-term agreements rather than “flashes in the pan” special attention to CEE countries in order to allow them to catch up to European average

Thank you for your attention