As of October 1, 2024, there are 63 thousand individuals with disabilities living in Odessa, including over 4,500 with mobility impairments, 5,229 children with disabilities, and nearly 1,000 visually impaired individuals. 

To create favorable conditions for barrier-free movement for individuals with mobility impairments, visually impaired individuals of groups I and II, and children with disabilities, the Odessa City Council, according to the decision of the Executive Committee, has introduced a new social service called 'Social Taxi'. 

This service will be provided free of charge. It marks another important step in ensuring equal opportunities for all residents of Odessa. 

As noted by Elena Kytayska, the director of the Department of Labor and Social Policy, a vehicle can be ordered by calling the short number 15-01 three days prior to the trip. The service can be used no more than 10 times a month. 

«At the start of this important project, we have 6 vehicles equipped for transporting people with disabilities. These include 2 cars purchased through the city program, 2 vehicles provided by our partners from Regensburg, and 2 vehicles from our partners, the public organization 'Barrier-Free', with whom we signed a Memorandum,» said Gennadii Trukhanov.

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The 'Social Taxi' service is provided for travel within the city of Odessa from a person's residence to local government bodies and their executive authorities, state executive bodies, courts, health care institutions, rehabilitation facilities, banks, social, cultural, and educational organizations, as well as to transport hubs and service providers for utilities. Service is available on working days from 08:30 to 17:30. The waiting time for the special vehicle when returning should not exceed 2 hours. Cancellations must be reported no later than 2 hours before the scheduled time. If the service is declined after the vehicle has arrived at the designated location, it will be considered used. 

Note
Transport service for citizens suffering from chronic renal failure to travel for systemic hemodialysis is provided by the Municipal Institution 'Emergency Medical Assistance Center' upon the family doctor's order.