Transport services are used for everyday travel, e.g. to doctor's appointments, events or even to work—especially when public transport is unavailable or limited.
Many cities and districts in Germany have special transport services for people with disabilities that supplement public transport. These services are organised by the city or district council or the social welfare office and are usually provided by minibuses equipped with wheelchair ramps or lifts.
Welfare associations and private organisations such as Malteser, the German Red Cross, the Johanniter Union, the Arbeiter-Samariter-Bund (ASB) as well as private transport services offer trips for a fee or as part of care or disability assistance. Some of these services specialise in regular trips (e.g. to day centres or work). Doctors and psychotherapists can prescribe these trips. A special form known as a transport voucher (information in German) is used for this purpose.
If the requirements are met, transport services are usually free of charge. For medically necessary trips, health insurance companies pay for the transport service ('patient transport'). The integration assistance service covers the costs for trips aimed at participation in social life. The legal basis for this is Section 83 of Book IX of the German Social Security Code (SGB IX, Section 83). In some cases, the employment agency or social welfare office will also pay for the transport service.
The requirements and costs of transport services vary from region to region. Information can be obtained from disability officers in municipalities, cities or districts.
Services abroad vary greatly depending on the country and city. Many European countries have accessible taxis or transport services which usually have to be booked in advance. Accessible public transport is also an option in large cities. Such services can often be found through tourism associations, disability organisations or embassies. When arranging tours or guest performances, it is advisable to arrange for transportation services with the organisers in advance.
Further information
Overview of accessible transport services in various German cities: