Chemnitz Scores Well in Accessibility

According to a study by the ADAC, people in Chemnitz who use buses or streetcars on major routes with a wheelchair, walker, or stroller generally find good conditions. The ADAC sees room for improvement primarily in terms of boarding the vehicles and the guidance provided to blind and visually impaired people.

For the nationwide test, the ADAC examined 149 bus and streetcar stops in ten cities. In Chemnitz, the testers took a close look at four stops on routes to key destinations such as City Hall, the hospital, the shopping center, and the swimming pool. They evaluated the route to the stop, the stop’s facilities, and the boarding and alighting processes.

Good wayfinding, problems with boarding

According to the ADAC, Chemnitz scored predominantly well in the overall results. The testers particularly praised the ease of locating the stops and the amount of space available on the platforms. However, there was criticism regarding the barrier-free access to buses and streetcars. The recommended small gaps between the vehicle and the curb were often not maintained. According to the ADAC, this also depends on the driving skills and attentiveness of the drivers.

Armrests are often missing

The ADAC also sees room for improvement in accessibility for blind and visually impaired people. Among other things, the testers criticized the access routes and street crossings in the vicinity of the stops. Although seating is available almost everywhere, benches with armrests were missing at all four stops examined.

The testers also took a critical view of the traffic routing at the central stop. There, the routing of bicycle traffic could lead to dangerous situations for visually impaired people.

The ADAC is calling for the barrier-free renovation of bus stops to be accelerated and for sufficient funding to be allocated for this purpose.