The traditional and extremely important briefing for students training to become electric transport drivers was held at the Mykolaivelektrotrans municipal enterprise. The key topic of the session was accessibility and safe service for passengers with different needs.
The event, which is part of the updated training program supported by the Shchedryk Charitable Foundation and funded by the international humanitarian organization CORE, brought together future drivers to practice their practical skills.
Instructors Olga Vinogradova and Ruslan Buzyk provided detailed practical recommendations on the use of ramps and emphasized the importance of proper interaction with passengers.
Trolleybus drivers play a key role in creating an accessible environment for everyone. It is important not just to help, but to do it correctly — taking into account the design features of the vehicle and the needs of passengers. During the training, we practice practical algorithms of actions to ensure that assistance is safe and professional,” said Olga Vinogradova.
Future drivers actively joined the discussion, asking questions and expressing their willingness to support all passengers, because, as was emphasized, the focus is on the person, not their diagnosis or social status.
Social transport requires qualified personnel
Yuriy Smetana, Director of Mykolaivelektrotrans, emphasized that such training is an essential part of preparation:
“Public transport is, first and foremost, social transport. Therefore, such training is extremely important for improving service quality and fostering a culture of mutual respect between drivers and passengers.”
He added that the modern rolling stock — Dnipro and PTS trolleybuses, as well as modernized KTM-5 tram cars — is equipped with built-in ramps, specially equipped spaces for wheelchairs with seat belts, audio announcement systems at stops (for people with visual impairments) and text information displays (for people with hearing impairments).
Sponsorship support from CORE: Strengthening community resilience
The training program was supported thanks to the cooperation between the Shchedryk Charitable Organization and the international humanitarian organization CORE. Kateryna Afanasyeva, the organization’s project manager in the Mykolaiv region, explained the logic behind the investment:
“We wanted to help the city, strengthen community resilience, and so we decided to help the transport sector. It is clear that training is really well developed in this company. All aspects are taken into account: both theoretical and practical classes are held. As a result, fully qualified specialists are produced who can work and help the city.”
According to Yuriy Smetana, starting today, future drivers will begin practical training sessions with a driving instructor, during which they will reinforce their knowledge in real-life conditions.
We would like to remind you that thanks to cooperation with the charitable organizations Shchedryk and CORE, Mykolaivelektrotrans previously opened enrollment for a new training course for drivers.