In its written statement, the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure said, "52 thousand 50 passengers benefited from the Orange Table, the number of airports that received the 'Accessibility Certificate' increased to 40, the 'National Train Project' was designed for the use of disabled individuals, the Railway 'Accessible Transportation' works increased 1 "One million 142 thousand 142 disabled passengers traveled," he said.
The Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure carries out various projects so that disabled people can benefit more easily from the air, railway and road transportation networks. The Ministry conveyed the work carried out on the occasion of December 3, World Disability Day. In the written statement made by the Ministry; It was stated that with the Accessible Transportation Strategy and Action Plan, which came into force in 2021, efforts were made to ensure accessibility in transportation everywhere, for everyone and at all times, and to make all new transportation initiatives fully accessible.
PASSENGER FRIENDLY AIRPORT PROJECT
The Ministry stated that services are provided for the transportation accessibility needs of individuals with limited mobility. In this context, in addition to providing transportation to every point, it is working to create an 'Accessible Service Network' in order to reach every individual.
There are a total of 40 airports in our country that have received the 'Accessibility Certificate' so far.
In this context, information desks, passport, ticket sales and check-in counters and accessible toilets in compliance with accessibility standards were established at these airports. Additionally, ramps and steps complying with accessibility standards were installed, and tactile flooring was installed.
While creating a disabled car park that meets accessibility standards, disabled passengers can benefit from this service free of charge.
In the terminals, ramps that provide access to other floors, elevators that give voice warnings in English and Turkish and have Braille embossed buttons, and that can be used by wheelchair users have been installed.
There are designated disabled phones in accordance with the standards inside and outside the terminal. Level differences in access to food and beverage areas within the terminal have been eliminated. A sufficient number of seat groups were planned for disabled passengers to rest.
ISTANBUL AIRPORT ALSO STANDS OUT WITH ITS 'ACCESSIBILITY SERVICES'
Istanbul Airport, which increases Turkey's influence and effectiveness in the international arena, also stands out with its 'Accessibility Services'. Passengers with Dementia, Cerebral Palsy, Autism and Down Syndrome who apply on the istairport.com website and obtain a 'Very Special Guest Card' in the very special guest room at Istanbul Airport; They can spend a quiet time in the 'Very Special Guest' rooms located in the flight gates area and use the İGA Buggy vehicles free of charge with a companion.
'BARRIER-FREE TRANSPORTATION' APPLICATIONS ON HIGHWAYS, SIDEWAYS AND PEDESTRIAN CROSSINGS
On state and provincial roads under the responsibility of the General Directorate of Highways, pedestrian overpass types containing pedestrian ramps or elevators designed to benefit disabled individuals were implemented, while additional elevators were built within the existing pedestrian overpasses.
While the medians and pedestrian paths of level pedestrian crossings at various points in the road networks are arranged for the use of disabled people, tactile surfaces, median arrangements, ramps and button signaling applications suitable for the use of disabled individuals are being implemented on new and existing pedestrian sidewalks and level pedestrian crossings.
Pedestrian sidewalks are designed taking into account the need for larger space for wheelchair users to maneuver.
1 MILLION 142 THOUSAND 142 DISABLED PASSENGERS TRAVELED WITH RAILWAY ' ACCESSIBLE TRANSPORTATION ' ACTIVITIES
Since the beginning of 2023, 1 million 142 thousand 142 disabled passengers have traveled on YHT and main line trains. TCDD General Directorate of Transportation renewed the ticket sales system where tickets are sold for the high-speed, mainline and conventional trains it operates, and implemented supportive practices at every stage of the travels of disabled citizens.
While TCDD's investments in railway transportation continue, a total of 275 wheelchair spaces have been created in high-speed trains (YHT) and other main line trains. 43 mobile ramps were built and started to be used for main line and regional trains. 20 ramps were purchased and distributed for YHTs.
The National Train Project, whose procurement works are ongoing, and the newly manufactured vehicles have been designed to be accessible to disabled passengers.
ORANGE MASA ACCESSIBLE TRANSPORTATION SERVICE POINT
The 'Orange Table Accessible Transportation Service Point' application was also implemented to ensure safe movement of individuals with limited mobility in high-speed train terminals.
With the application, the individuals in question are taken from the designated place at the entrance of the station/station, placed in the seat on the train where they will travel, and at the end of the journey, they are taken from the train and delivered to the point where the service point button is located at the exit of the station/station. The application has been used in High Speed Train (YHT) stations since 2019. Studies continue to expand it in terminals serving all transportation types.
In order to facilitate the travel of passengers with limited mobility in main line and YHT stations with passenger density, 19 YHT workplaces (Ankara, Eryaman YHT Station, Eskişehir, Konya, Selçuklu, Karaman, Pendik, Söğütlüçeşme, Bostancı, Halkalı, İzmit, Polatlı, Bozüyük, Bilecik, Arifiye, Gebze, Kırıkkale, Yozgat, Sivas) "Orange Table" service is provided to passengers who want to get help with 58 personnel. 2023 thousand 52 passengers benefited from the Orange Table service as of October 50.
DISCOUNT ON CITY AND INTERCITY TRANSPORTATION SERVICES
Disabled citizens; They can benefit from free or discounted urban and intercity transportation services. Disabled citizens; They can benefit free of charge from the urban lines of railways and sea lines, as well as urban public transportation services provided by municipalities, companies established by municipalities, unions, institutions and businesses, or private individuals or companies authorized by municipalities. You can benefit from intercity buses with a 30% discount. Passengers with a disability of 40% or more receive a 20% discount on all domestic tickets and a 25% discount on all international tickets, excluding promotional tickets.
'BARRIER-REMOVING' SERVICES FROM e-GOVERNMENT
Within the scope of the Barrier-Free Call Center project carried out within the scope of the No Barriers in e-Government project, video support can be provided by e-Government Call Center employees who know sign language. 'e-Government Gateway Barrier-Free Communication Center' was launched so that hearing-impaired citizens who are e-Government Gateway users can receive the call center service they need via mobile applications.
TO THOSE WHO PREVENT ACCESS TO DISABLED INDIVIDUALS; 306 THOUSAND 457 PUNITIVE ACTIONS WERE IMPLEMENTED
In the statement made by the Ministry, it was stated that inspections regarding occupations that prevent access of individuals with limited mobility on sidewalks and parking lots have been increased. In this context, disabled parking lots and sidewalk occupations are inspected by authorized institutions in the provinces. In the period between April 2022 and October 2023, 1 million 253 thousand 295 inspections were carried out on this issue; He stated that 306 thousand 457 criminal actions were taken.