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 with visual impairments.
To create favorable conditions for barrier-free movement for individuals with mobility issues and those with visual impairments, a new social service called «Social Taxi» has been launched in Odesa under the resolution of the Executive Committee of the Odesa City Council.
This service will be provided free of charge, representing an important step towards ensuring equal opportunities for all residents of Odesa.
As stated by Olena Kytainska, the Director of the Department of Labor and Social Policy, requests for a vehicle can be made via the short number 15-01 three days before the trip. Users can take advantage of this service no more than 10 times per month.
«At the start of this crucial project, we have 6 vehicles equipped for transporting individuals with disabilities. These include 2 cars purchased through the city program, 2 vehicles provided by our partners from 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 the residents' homes to local government bodies, state authorities, courts, healthcare institutions, banks, educational establishments, and other facilities, as well as in the reverse direction (if needed) on working days from 08:30 to 17:30. The waiting time for the special vehicle when returning should not exceed 2 hours. Cancellations must be reported no later than 2 hours before the scheduled time. If a user declines the service after the special vehicle has arrived, it is considered utilized.
Note
The transport service for citizens suffering from chronic kidney failure to their hemodialysis appointments is provided by the Municipal Institution «Emergency Medical Care Center» upon the family doctor’s request.
