With 7 new state-of-the-art minibuses/vehicles, the free vehicle service of the OSI’s disabled transportation service is being enhanced, bringing the total number to ten, in order to better serve them.

In the context of the presentation of the new Mercedes-Benz Sprinter minibuses/vehicles by the management of OSE to representatives of the press, in the presence of the Deputy Minister of Transport, Constantinos Kyranakis, it was stressed that ensuring universal and equal access to urban transport for OSE MAE (Road Transport) is not just a contractual obligation, but a fundamental pillar of its social mission.

This is a “journey” started in 2006 by the then ETHEL A.E, at a time when the infrastructure of urban transport in Athens had significant gaps, as the percentage of accessible vehicles of the conventional fleet (buses, trolleybuses) did not exceed 20%.

“The urgent need to fill this gap led to the creation of a specialised Special Service for the Transport of People with Disabilities (PWD.), which over the years has become a valuable ally for thousands of our fellow citizens, who use it every day,” the management of OSI pointed out.

The acceptance of the service, as OSI CEO Stefanos Agiasoglou said, was universal, as it offered the possibility of free, safe and dignified transport to any destination, from hospitals and workplaces to airports, ports and cultural venues. “It has had an impressive track record, having travelled more than 1,600,000 kilometres on the roads of Attica. This work translates into tens of thousands of successful journeys, serving not only the capital’s permanent residents but also numerous visitors and tourists with mobility problems,” he noted, noting that the need for modernization was more than urgent as demand was growing and technological capabilities were evolving.”

000 of our citizens, while now it is estimated that 12-13 thousand trips per year and 6,000 of our citizens.

Konstantinos Kyranakis: The fight for accessibility does not stop here, it is our duty to society

Deputy Transport Minister Konstantinos Kyranakis congratulated the management and employees for their contribution to this effort, noting that the urban transport fleet is being significantly upgraded with an emphasis on accessibility for the disabled. He said that the access of our fellow citizens with mobility and sensory disabilities to public transport is free of charge and pointed out that the entire fleet of OSI now has ramps for wheelchairs and that all staff have been trained to serve them. He stressed that with the addition of the 7 new special vehicles, the number of journeys through the free special service for persons with disabilities will more than double, resulting in more people being served daily.

“The point of politics is to see the problem, work quietly and deliver the services to the citizen. Our efforts will continue, the struggle for accessibility does not stop here, it is our duty to society to show our humanity,” the deputy minister said.

He concluded by saying that the scheduling, which till now is traditionally done through a telephone call will soon be done through an e-booking system and beneficiaries will be able to make online bookings.

The new vehicles

The new fleet includes five 20-seat vehicles and two smaller 11-seat vehicles, all equipped with advanced access systems such as ramps and lift platforms to ensure wheelchair users can comfortably board and stay. In particular:

  • 5 new 20-seat vehicles, capable of carrying up to 12 passengers when 2 wheelchairs are loaded (User Text).
  • 2 smaller 11-seat vehicles, configured to seat 3 when carrying 2 buggies (User Text)

    • .

  • 3 original purpose-built vehicles, which remain actively in service to citizens

Digital Transformation and Innovation

According to the management of OSI, the upgrade is not limited to equipment only, but also extends to the human factor. The service is staffed by highly trained personnel and drivers who receive continuous training in first aid and in proper communication with people with physical, sensory or non-visible disabilities. At the same time, OSI is entering the new digital era, aiming to move from traditional telephone scheduling to a modern e-Booking system through a new digital platform and a dedicated app.

OSY simplifies processes for users

Planning, which until now has traditionally been done through the service centre (210/4270748), is evolving and very soon, through an e-booking system, beneficiaries will be able to make online reservations, be informed in real time of the arrival of the vehicle and manage their profile with total transparency through gov.gr. The new digital platform and application (app) will allow beneficiaries to:

  • To create a personal profile and book a route online.
  • Real-time information on vehicle arrival time and route duration estimation (User Text).
  • The interface via gov.gr for the certification of travel rights (User Text).