The city of Odessa has received two Mercedes-Benz Sprinter minibuses through the support of Regensburg, marking an important step in the development of social services.
These vehicles will be allocated to territorial centers for social services and will be utilized in the municipal «Social Taxi» initiative.
The minibuses are already adapted for transporting people with disabilities, but they require additional equipment to facilitate the transport of individuals using wheelchairs.
The «Social Taxi» initiative is implemented by the Odessa City Council in partnership with the NGO «Barrier-Free», which provides specialized transport for people with disabilities to administrative, banking, and social institutions.
Currently, there are 6 specialized vehicles operating in Odessa, and the service is in high demand, having processed over 1200 requests. The minibuses provided by Regensburg will allow for an increase in transportation capacity and expand the service's capabilities.
Odessa's mayor, Gennady Trukhanov, expressed gratitude to Regensburg, stating that these vehicles are more than just transportation; they represent an opportunity for individuals with disabilities to access essential services, feel mobile, and maintain their independence.
Individuals with disabilities can order the social taxi through the MISTO app or by calling the short number: 15-01.
