In Montenegro, almost every second person with disabilities (PWD) cannot use public transport due to inaccessible infrastructure, especially in rural areas where there are almost no adaptations, according to research results from the Association of Youth with Disabilities (UMHCG).
This non-governmental organization (NGO) conducted the research "On the Path of Obstacles" as part of the project "Mobility without Barriers!", with financial support from the Ministry of Transport.
The UMHCG said that the research was conducted on a sample of 96 PWDs, using a combined methodology - field surveys and focus groups, with the aim of examining the real experiences, perceptions and needs of system users.
"Despite existing laws and bylaws, public transport in Montenegro remains inaccessible to the majority of persons with disabilities," the statement says.
It is stated that physical barriers, such as high sidewalks, non-functional ramps, lack of audible and tactile signs, as well as inaccessible stops and vehicles, impede the movement of people with disabilities on a daily basis.
The UMHCG pointed out that the laws prescribe obligations regarding accessibility, but that their application on the ground remains inconsistent.
"Although technical measures exist, clearly defined by the Regulation on detailed conditions and methods of adapting facilities for access and movement of persons with reduced mobility and PWDs, their implementation is limited and sporadic, while supervision is almost non-existent," said the UMHCG.
As they stated, the research also shows that people with disabilities rely heavily on private cars, which further deepens the social exclusion of those who do not own personal vehicles.
The UMHCG warned that the lack of a functional public transport system limits the mobility, independence and participation in society of people with disabilities, which essentially represents a violation of fundamental human rights.
"In addition to physical barriers, a serious lack of accessible information has been recorded - vehicles and stops most often do not have audible announcements or contrasting signs, while digital applications do not function or are not adapted for people with disabilities," the NGO said.
They emphasized that a particular problem is the insufficient education of employees in the public transport sector.
The UMHCG said that more than two-thirds of people with disabilities say that staff, primarily drivers and dispatchers, do not know how to provide them with the necessary support.
This, they added, often leads to rude and unprofessional behavior, which makes users feel further excluded and insecure.
The UMHCG assessed that such a relationship cannot be corrected with technical solutions alone, stating that people are the key factor in inclusion.
"Therefore, it is necessary to introduce continuous education and practical training on access to persons with disabilities, as well as establish mechanisms for reporting irregularities in employee behavior," said the NGO.
As they stated, although technology offers significant opportunities for improving accessibility, in practice it is rarely used or used selectively.
"Audio announcements often don't work, tactile paths are irregularly placed, and digital platforms are not universally designed," the statement said.
It is stated that respondents most often point out that equipment such as ramps, elevators, sound signaling, and technical aids need to be improved.
"Particular attention is paid to the importance of developing digital tools that enable real-time monitoring of lines and vehicle arrivals, as well as the need to educate users themselves on the use of available technologies," the statement added.
The UMHCG said that, in addition to physical and communication inaccessibility, the research also showed a worrying level of lack of information about existing rights and benefits.
As they stated, although a certain number of people use public transport privileges, as many as 30,5 percent do not know that they are entitled to exemption from certain fees, while more than 70 percent of those surveyed have never taken a driving test under adapted conditions.
"The availability of vehicles for training and passing currently depends on the goodwill of private driving schools, instead of being systematically regulated and guaranteed by the Ministry of Education, Science and Innovation," the UMHCG emphasized.
They stated that the lack of accountability is also visible in the area of parking.
As stated by the UMHCG, people with disabilities face the fact every day that the places reserved for them are occupied by unscrupulous drivers, while the municipal police rarely intervene.
According to them, there is almost no control over the issuance of preferential parking badges, which opens up room for numerous abuses.
"Therefore, it is necessary to introduce stricter control and develop simple mechanisms, including digital platforms, for reporting irregularities," the UMHCG believes.
They said the comprehensive findings of the research point to deep-rooted neglect of the system, an absence of institutional accountability, and the absence of a central body to coordinate accessibility policy.
"The uneven and inefficient implementation of measures shows that Montenegro lacks a clear, cross-sectorally coordinated Accessibility Strategy, as well as an institution that would oversee its implementation, monitor progress and publish regular reports," the statement said.
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