Outlook

With ticket machines offering special functions for the visually impaired, low-floor vehicles and level stops, the ZVV and its transport companies have been committed to barrier-free public transport for many years. Even during deliberations on the Disability Discrimination Act (BehiG) in the Swiss parliament, we at ZVV were devising a concept for disabled-friendly public transport entitled «MobilPlus» in partnership with organisations for the disabled, transport companies, public authorities and other experts. Persons with a disability already have access to a usable network of public transport and a wealth of useful information in the Canton of Zurich.

Implementation deadline of 2024

The deadline for implementation of the Disability Discrimination Act (BehiG) is the end of 2023. The Act stipulates that all people who are generally independently mobile despite their disability must also be able to use public transport independently. Almost the entire ZVV vehicle fleet will be low-floor, and thus disabled-friendly, by 2024. However, low-floor vehicles only have limited value unless the stops are modified accordingly.

Upgrading of disabled-friendly stations

Stops will be upgraded to disabled-friendly standards by 2024 through routine modernisation work and redevelopment programmes. Despite this, around one fifth of S-Bahn stations, one tenth of tram stops and a third to a half of bus stops remain unusable for people with limited mobility. The accessibility of the public transport system to those with a disability will therefore be improved by bringing forward the renovation of stations.

Action in partnership

In its policy paper on disabled-friendly public transport for the Canton of Zurich by 2024, the ZVV set out the scope and priorities of its modification programme. The ZVV itself is only responsible for measures on the tram and suburban railway network, where the aim is to establish full disabled access. The Federal Office of Transport is responsible for the railway infrastructure while the Canton and local authorities are in charge of bus stops. The stated aim can only be achieved if all involved parties work together to that end.

Accessible to all

It is not only persons with a disability who will benefit from the deployment of low-floor vehicles and disabled-friendly stops: passengers with pushchairs and heavy luggage will also notice the difference. Getting on and off public transport will be faster and easier, with access to the network substantially improved.

Further information

For more information on barrier-free access to public transport: 
Federal Office of Transport