1. The Strategy for accessible transport in the Danube Region

The Strategy for accessible transport in the DR will allow organisation to tackle accessibility challenges and objectives in the mid and long term and will be adopted and implemented by the transport PPs during the project implementation. Thanks to the project activities that will allow the partners to concretely involve other organisations outside the consortium, the Strategy will be presented to facilitate and encourage other organisations in including it in their policies and procedures. A key role will be played by the ASPs at national and transnational level to endorse and exploit the Strategy to the key actors in the transport sector.

To address the accessibility challenges faced by passengers with disabilities, the DANOVA NEXT project prepared a comprehensive Strategy for Accessible Transport in the Danube Region. The Strategy aims to highlight the current state of accessibility in the Danube Region, identifying strengths, gaps, and disparities; propose actionable measures to enhance accessibility; and serve as a practical guide for policymakers, transport operators, and stakeholders to harmonize efforts and implement inclusive transport systems.

The recommendations presented in the Strategy are derived from the results of various activities within the DANOVA NEXT project, where diverse measures and ideas to make transportation facilities fully accessible have been collected. These activities included joint discussions, brainstorming sessions, and transnational working group meetings with representatives from transport facilities, associations representing persons with disabilities, local public authorities, experts from technical and innovation companies and scientists from universities and the academic sector.

Why is the Strategy important for the Danube Region?

The Danube Region is marked by significant diversity, encompassing countries with varying levels of economic development, social inclusion, and transport infrastructure. This diversity poses challenges in ensuring equal accessibility for all. Key issues include the absence of harmonized standards for accessibility across borders, uneven implementation of EU accessibility legislation, and a general lack of awareness, investment, and staff training in this area. These challenges create barriers for persons with disabilities and hinder the development of truly inclusive transport systems.

How does the Strategy contribute to overcoming these challenges?

The DANOVA NEXT Strategy provides a coherent framework aimed at guiding accessibility improvements across the region. It fosters regional collaboration and helps align local and national policies with broader EU priorities. Designed as a hands-on tool, the Strategy supports key stakeholder groups: for policymakers, it offers guidance on integrating accessibility into urban and regional planning; for transport operators, it outlines steps for upgrading infrastructure in line with EU standards; and for disability advocacy organisations, it delivers data-driven recommendations to influence policy change.

Importantly, the Strategy is aligned with the objectives of the EU Disability Strategy 2021–2030 and the Sustainable and Smart Mobility Strategy, reinforcing its relevance and applicability.

The Strategy was developed through an inclusive and participatory process involving project partners and a broad range of stakeholders. Key activities such as Focus Groups with transport authorities, Local Forums engaging local and regional policymakers, and Transnational Working Groups meetings ensured extensive consultation and feedback. This collaborative approach guaranteed that the Strategy addresses real-world challenges and fosters widespread support and ownership.

Accessibility Stakeholder Platforms (ASPs) at national and transnational levels will play a key role in endorsing, disseminating, and exploiting the Strategy among crucial transport sector actors, ensuring its implementation and sustainable impact across the region.

How input was collected across the Danube Region

To ensure the Strategy truly reflects the needs of all users, its development was based on inclusive and evidence-based methods. Extensive consultations were held with key stakeholders, including representatives of disability organizations, transport operators, and public authorities. These exchanges took place through transnational working groups and local-level meetings, providing valuable insights from diverse perspectives across the Danube Region.

Additionally, targeted surveys and interactive workshops were conducted to engage persons with disabilities directly, allowing the project team to better understand the day-to-day challenges they face in using transport systems. On-site assessments of key transport hubs—such as airports, ports, bus terminals, and train stations—further helped to identify specific infrastructural and service-related barriers. This comprehensive approach ensured that the Strategy is grounded in real experiences and practical realities.

The Strategy offers transport organisations a practical and strategic roadmap to tackle accessibility challenges in the mid and long term. By fostering innovation, promoting inclusive policies, and encouraging regional cooperation, it aims to create a more accessible and barrier-free transport environment for all passengers.

The DANOVA NEXT project partners remain committed to supporting the Strategy’s implementation and encouraging wider adoption beyond the project consortium, ensuring that accessible transport becomes a standard across the entire Danube Region.

How stakeholders can use the DANOVA NEXT Strategy?

The DANOVA NEXT Strategy is designed as a practical tool—not just a policy paper. It offers clear guidance for diverse stakeholders to actively contribute to improving transport accessibility across the Danube Region.

Policymakers can align national and regional transport strategies with the recommendations outlined in the document, promoting regulatory consistency and long-term accessibility planning across borders.

Transport operators are encouraged to apply the DANOVA NEXT assessment methodology to evaluate the current state of their facilities and services. By implementing tested best practices from the project’s catalogue and investing in staff training focused on disability awareness, operators can significantly enhance the travel experience for passengers with disabilities.

Disability advocacy organisations can leverage the Strategy as an evidence-based advocacy instrument to influence policy decisions and push for inclusive reforms. They also play a vital role in service co-creation—through structured feedback, audits, and partnerships with transport authorities.

Technology and innovation developers are invited to explore opportunities presented by the Strategy—developing inclusive digital solutions such as AI-driven assistance tools, smart ticketing systems, and accessible navigation apps. Collaborations with transport providers are key to piloting and scaling such innovations.

By adopting and applying the DANOVA NEXT Strategy, stakeholders can move from fragmented initiatives to a coordinated, impact-oriented approach—ensuring equal mobility rights and accessible transport for all across the Danube Region.