Because the blind card expires
Disabled representatives criticize the public transport industry
The blind card on public transport has been abolished because the industry says it is no longer needed today. Visually impaired organizations see it differently.
Published: 28 minutes ago
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By the end of 2023, the blind card will be abolished on public transport. (icon picture)
At the end of the year, the blind card will be abolished on public transport. Apps, voice-supported web shops and automatic ticketing make identity cards superfluous for the visually impaired, as the industry organization Alliance Swisspass announced on Tuesday. In addition, the scope of the map is confusing and severely restricted depending on the region, it said.
In addition, according to the Disability Equality Act, the card represents unequal treatment compared to people with other disabilities. That is why the Alliance Swisspass decided to abolish the blind card, of which 5,500 are currently still in circulation.
No replacement measure for the elderly
Disabled people see things very differently: Martin Abele from the Swiss Association of the Blind and Visually Impaired (SBV) says: “There are no substitute measures for the visually impaired at an advanced age or for those without an affinity for technology,” says Abele.
Although the SBV suggested such alternative measures, these were rejected by Alliance Swisspass. Abele finds this incomprehensible – because with the current procedure, certain visually impaired people would be excluded from society.
Guide dogs for the blind are still allowed to drive for free
The ID card for the blind and visually impaired, also known as the blind card, has been around for around 50 years. It was introduced at the time because the advent of ticket machines and the elimination of ticket purchases in vehicles made it very difficult for the blind and visually impaired to purchase public transport tickets.
The ID card for travelers with a disability, the “accompanying subscription”, remains valid, according to the statement from Alliance Swisspass. All persons who are dependent on an accompaniment on public transport because of a disability are entitled to this.
With this subscription, a person, either the disabled person or the accompanying person, travels in Switzerland free of charge on all routes within the validity area of the Half-Fare travelcard. In addition, a guide dog or assistance dog may be taken along free of charge. (SDA/bgs)