Breaking Down Barriers Together
People with disabilities – whether wheelchair users, those with hearing impairments, or blind and visually impaired individuals – should always be able to use public transport independently. This is the goal of Harz district and transport companies, who are working together towards greater accessibility.
This ensures that people with disabilities can continue easily participating in everyday life.
Of course, parents with strollers, elderly people, or tourists with heavy luggage also benefit. Fewer barriers benefit everyone.
Bus accessibility in the Harz district
- Fold-out ramps are available in buses for passengers with limited mobility (e.g., wheelchair users), to facilitate boarding and disembarking.
- The buses are equipped with "kneeling" technology, which means they can lower their right side towards the curb, making it easier to get on and off.
- Buses have special use areas specifically with space for wheelchairs, strollers, etc.
- An audible announcement and a visual display provide information about the next stop.
Connection information for the Harz district with real-time data is available via the harzbewegt app. Simply download it free of charge for iOS or Android.
- Most tram stops are step-free, with small ramps available when necessary (see route map for more details)
- Large folding ramps are available for almost all other stops, purchased as part of the project harzbewegt
- The tram driver will extend either ramp as required
- Exception: Ramps are not available for use at the station Zuckerfabrik in the direction Friedhof, due tot he narrow sidewalk. Affected passengers can remain seated in the tram and exit via the ramp at the Zuckerfabrik on the return journey. At the final stop Friedhof, it is only possible to board with a wheelchair at the arrival station.
- In the multi-purpose area of the trams, there is a space for wheelchairs and prams opposite the first double door.
- Seats for passengers with disabilities are located in the three-seat area next to this door.
- The next stop is announced acoustically and visually
Free transport
Passengers who can present a valid Schwerbehindertenausweis mit Beiblatt (severe disability ID with supplementary sheet) and a valid token purchased from the Versorgungsamt (pension office) can travel free of charge on local transport throughout Germany. If the severe disability ID also has the letter ‘B’ on it, an accompanying person can travel free of charge.
Incidentally, instead of an accompanying person, a dog can also be transported free of charge, even if it is not a guide dog.
Tips for wheelchair users (bus and tram):
Boarding:
- If you wish to use the bus or tram in a wheelchair, clearly indicate to the driver at the stop that you wish to board.
- Use the door marked with the wheelchair symbol to board.
- Wheelchair users can board at any bus stop. If necessary, the driver can also fold out a bus ramp.
- At HVG tram stops with step-free access (curb height at least 12 cm), the driver can fold out a small ramp. At tram stops without step-free access, the driver can fold out a large ramp for passengers in wheelchairs. Please note the special regulations for the Zuckerfabrik and Friedhof stops in Halberstadt (see above under Tram accessibility in Halberstadt)
During the journey:
- Position your wheelchair on the designated areas in the multi-purpose area.
- Face your wheelchair backwards in the direction of travel and make sure you apply the brakes. This is the only way to prevent the wheelchair from rolling when braking or taking corners.
- If you wish to disembark, please press the stop button in good time.
Disembarking:
- You can signal your wish to disembark directly from the wheelchair space. There are buttons with a wheelchair symbol on the handrails within easy reach. When you press these buttons, the driver knows that the doors should remain open longer for you to exit.
- Only when you have reached your destination and the vehicle has come to a complete stop should you release the brakes on your wheelchair.
- Please proceed to the door when no other passengers wish to disembark.
- At many bus and tram stops, the driver can fold out a ramp for wheelchair users.
Notes:
Wheelchairs, electric wheelchairs and other mobility aids are only transported on buses if they meet the following criteria: Maximum width 80 cm, maximum length 130 cm, maximum weight 250 kg. The folding ramps in trams allow a total weight of 300 kg.
If you encounter any difficulties or are unsure, please contact the driver or speak to other passengers.
Passengers with rollators/walkers (buses and trams)
Boarding:
- Use the door marked with the wheelchair symbol to get on.
- Depending on the height difference between the stop kerb and the vehicle, tilt the rollator slightly at the front when getting on or lift it into the vehicle.
- If necessary, push the rear wheels while standing firmly. Apply the handbrake on the rollator and use the door handrail to get into the vehicle.
- Don't hesitate to ask the driver or other passengers for help for any situation
During the journey:
- Find a seat. The ideal seats are those where you can sit securely and hold on to your rollator. Secure the rollator/walker with the parking brake activated.
- If you wish to disembark, please press the stop button well in advance.
Disembarking:
- Stand with your rollator/walker facing away from the door and apply the handbrake. First, get out backwards without the rollator and use the handles on the doors.
- Only retrieve your rollator once you are standing firmly on the floor.
- Please do not get out forwards, as the rollator may roll away. In addition, the front wheels may get caught between the kerb and the vehicle.
Important: Never use the rollator as a seat on buses or trams! There is a risk of it rolling away when cornering or braking.
Do you require assistance boarding and disembarking?
Then please feel free to contact the personnel on buses and trams. If you would like to find out more about barrier-free travel in advance, the transport companies will be happy to help.
Harzer Verkehrsbetriebe GmbH (HVB)
Dornbergsweg 7 | 38855 Wernigerode
Service telephone: 03943 564-134
Dispatch center: 03943 564-120
E-Mail: info(at)hvb-harz.de
www.hvb-harz.de
Halberstädter Verkehrs-GmbH (HVG)
Gröperstraße 83 | 38820 Halberstadt
Service telephone: 03941 56615
Dispatch center: 03941 566181
E-Mail: hvg(at)stadtverkehr-halberstadt.de
www.stadtverkehr-halberstadt.de