Rio de Janeiro acquires 500 new buses designed for accessibility
By Rio 2016
Initiative adds weight to Rio de Janeiros application to host the 2016 Olympic and Paralympic Games
Disabled residents and visitors to Rio de Janeiro now have another 500 specially adapted buses. The vehicles, which were delivered last Friday, are equipped with an elevator and other the modifications required by law since 2008. The idea is that by 2014 the entire city fleet will meet the needs of people with disabilities.
This initiative, together with improved access the citys public spaces, provides an example for other cities to follow and gives a further boost to Rio de Janeiros ambition to host the Olympic and Paralympic Games of 2016.
Hosting the 2016 Games would provide further advances. It is estimated that the improvements to accessibility required for the event will benefit the lives of approximately 900,000 cariocas with disabilities or reduced mobility.
Many sports facilities in Rio de Janeiro are already suitable for disabled people. The redevelopment of the Maracanã stadium for the 2007 Pan American and Parapan American Games left a legacy of improved accessibility: access by ramps, with seating space for wheelchairs and adapted bathrooms were all included to provide the best experience for people with disabilities.
Along with the Metro and the many taxi cooperatives specializing in care for the disabled, the new buses add to the transport services which have good accessibility to service Rios residents and visitors.