ADAC Checks Stops for Accessibility
The automobile club ADAC carried out a spot check of numerous public transport stops to assess how easily people with disabilities can reach them. The main focus was on the operational status of elevators.
According to the results, in many cities elevators are either completely out of service or only partially usable. Problems occur most frequently at older installations that lack regular maintenance and spare parts.
The Federal Government's Disability Commissioner expressed concern about the situation and urged transport operators to improve maintenance and repair defects more quickly. He stressed that a working elevator is often a prerequisite for independent use of trains and buses.
ADAC proposes introducing uniform inspection standards and publishing the results so that travellers can be informed before their journey. Furthermore, a reporting system should be set up allowing defects to be reported directly.
In cities such as Berlin, Munich and Hamburg, particularly noticeable defects were found at older stations. At the same time, newer facilities in some regions showed significantly better availability.
Legally, responsibility lies with the Disability Equality Act, which mandates barrier‑free access to public transport. Despite existing requirements, the inspections show that implementation in practice often falls short of expectations.
Transport associations have said they will review the findings and discuss appropriate measures. A comprehensive modernisation of elevator installations is viewed as a long‑term project requiring substantial financial resources.