The first of a fleet of buses designed to carry up to six wheelchair users each has been launched in Ascoli Piceno, a city in the Italian region of Marche. As well as being equipped for disabled passengers, the buses also conform to environmental standards set out by the city.
The buses will operate on the route between Ascoli, Rome, and Leonardo da Vinci-Fiumicino Airport, one of the busiest airports in Europe. Passengers can book the bus by telephone prior to their journey, and have the option to request other routes if needed.
‘This is a unique decision in Marche,’ said Alessandro Antonini, President of Start Spa, Ascoli Piceno’s public transport operator. ‘It is perhaps the first such initiative nation-wide. We wanted to incorporate the request of disability advocacy groups.’
Original author: Lewis Macdonald
