Solutions from Ukraine: new barrier-free map of Ukrainian railway stations now available

A new map of Ukraine's railway stations has been released, allowing users to check the accessibility of domestic stations. The addition of 3D models also will enable users to carefully examine platforms and tracks beforehand, making it easier to select a convenient route.

Rubryka reports this.

What is the problem?

Accessibility is essential for all individuals. Transportation and services should be physically reachable for everyone, including mothers with strollers, elderly individuals, and those with disabilities who use wheelchairs. Completely healthy individuals may encounter obstacles and challenges in certain situations they would not otherwise face.

What is the solution?

The barrier-free map of railway stations is a joint work of the LUN City and Ukrzaliznytsia (Ukrainian Railways) teams.

^{Photo: Screenshot / Maps of barrier-free stations}

The LUN City team is in charge of developing the map as they have extensive experience in creating interactive maps for cities. The experts from Ukrzaliznytsia are responsible for preparing data about station accessibility for the map.

The map provides information on the barrier-free elements available at Ukrainian stations and describes the accessibility of routes from the station entrance to the train on the tracks.

Thanks to this created resource, one can learn about the accessibility levels for entrance areas, ticket booths, information counters, waiting areas, and shelters. The map displays the availability of elevators, boarding assistance, family rooms, and whether there are support personnel available.

"The station buildings were constructed several decades ago, and regrettably, obstacles are present. Universal restrooms are unavailable everywhere, and some areas do not have a barrier-free passage between the station building and the platforms. However, systematic efforts must be made to eliminate these barriers. There may be instances where passengers are unaware of a barrier-free route (such as the availability of elevators instead of stairs to reach the platforms at Kyiv railway station). This information can be found on the map," Anna Denysenko, curator of LUN City, says.

According to Anna Denysenko, the map will benefit everyone, as anyone can occasionally find themselves in a situation with limited mobility. For instance, a person with a suitcase would have easier walking on a path with no stairs and a wide elevator.

"Of course, we have to contribute to creating spaces that will be comfortable for people with disabilities and injuries. Unfortunately, due to Russian military aggression, the number of such people has increased significantly," Anna Denisenko says.

Which stations are already on the map?

^{Photo: Screenshot / Maps of barrier-free stations. Station in Poltava}During the initial phase, the map was compiled with data on 12 train stations, including Kyiv, Lviv, Odesa, Dnipro, Kharkiv, Sumy, Ivano-Frankivsk, Poltava, Zaporizhzhia, Uzhhorod, Rivne, and Vinnytsia.

Precisely for this project, the LUN City team also created 3D models of train station buildings in Ukraine. These models allow passengers to visually observe the entrance area and railway tracks and navigate themselves more effectively within the location.

The map also provides information about the Station Assistant, who can be summoned through the provided link. Tablets are also available at the stations' information zones for translation into sign language.

One can access the map either here or through the Ukrzaliznytsia app.

What's next?

The map will continue to be filled.

"The number of cities on the map will definitely increase, with 12 train stations being the first stage. There will also be more models; we plan to cover at least regional centers, possibly district ones in the future," the curator of LUN City comments.

Currently, no models are displayed on the map showing the interior layouts of the stations. However, Anna Denysenko explains that the team is exploring other methods to indicate the accessibility level within the station buildings easily. One of the main goals is to develop a map version that individuals with visual impairments can easily access.

Plans for the future include the creation of an exhibition with an exposition of tactile train station exhibits. These exhibits will allow individuals with visual impairments to physically experience the look and feel of the station's architecture. The LUN City team is actively working on this project and will be ready to share the details later.

How can Ukrainians help develop the project?

"There is a feedback button on the card of each station – we would be happy to receive passengers' comments, ideas, what else to add, what other information would be useful," Anna Denysenko notes.