Smart Transport Network for the accessibility of Passengers with disabilities and reduced mobility in the Danube Region through innovative services

Programme 2021 - 2027 Interreg VI-B Danube

Date of latest update: 2026-04-29

Description

Description (EN):

The common challenge of the programme area tackled by the project concerns the lack of services and barrier-free transport and the lack of harmonisation among Countries in the field of accessibility of disabled passengers, focusing on the disparities in innovation level & uptake of advanced technologies in the DR. The overall project objective is the improvement of transport accessibility (air, water & urban transport) in the DR for all disabilities by creating innovative services, and providing fully accessible Digital Travel Information Services (DTIS) through the establishment of a Smart Network of transport facilities, making a change and contributing to reduce the innovation gap across the DR. The main outputs will be: -Strategy for accessible transport in the Danube Region -Smart Transport Network for PRM (Passengers with reduced mobility) digital accessibility data -Customised pilot participatory actions -Replication package The TGs that will benefit from the outputs are: -Airport, ports, urban transport providers and authorities -Visual & hearing impaired and PRM associations -Local, Regional and National public authorities Through the capitalization of DANOVA and the new DANOVA NEXT solutions, the partnership will foster territorial integration & innovation in the DR, which could not be reached without a transnational approach needed to: -tackle the disparity, lack of services and barrier-free transport in the DR for people with disabilities -tackle the issues connected to the development of DTIS related to transport accessibility -develop a harmonized approach to transport accessibility in the DR for strengthening inclusiveness and social innovation DANOVA NEXT will tackle 3 main innovation aspects: -physical accessibility of transport in the DR for all disabilities through innovative services -provision of data on networks’ accessibility through fully accessible DTIS -creation of a Smart Network of transport facilities working on the sharing of data, practices & services in the DR

Actual Achievements (EN):

During the first period the activities were implemented as initially foreseen in the application form and all deliverables were produced and finalised as expected. Moreover the fists steps of SO2, foreseen in the second period, were anticipated to the 1st period in order to facilitate the future work on the development of the DANOVA NEXT App. All the PPs were actively committed since the initial steps but the launch of the project activities and the coordination of 16 partners (plus associated partners) was challenging and time-consuming at the beginning and the LP spent some time to align the “old” partners (from the previous DANOVA project) and the “new” ones who joined the DANOVA NEXT consortium. The meetings held during the 1st period were very helpful to know each other, exchange ideas and know how on the project and jointly set the future activities. The meetings organised are: - KoM in Dubrovnik on 22nd of February 2024 - 2nd TPM in Varna in 27th of June 2024 - 1 joint online coordination meeting on 26th of January - several online bilateral meetings – whenever needed. DBV as lead partner spent part of its work in the coordination and supervision of the partners’ contributions and participation. The cooperation among PPs was really fruitful in this first period and no major problems were faced. During this reporting period, all other preparatory activities have been implemented such as adoption of decisions and other project documents by the internal offices of the PPs, introduction to the content of program documents: Program manual, Implementation manual, etc, providing appropriate (paper and electronic) project documentation and setting up the management structure, both at project level and at PP level with related staff appointment. The majority of work was related to the finalisation of A1.1 Assessment of needs and existing solutions connected to Specific objective 1 Strategical framework for accessible transports in the DR, with activities implemented both at local/national and transnational level to involve target users and to assess the accessibility of the transport facilities, as well as to map stakeholders and best practices/solutions to be considered by the PPs for the project implementation. DBV worked in close cooperation with the task leaders (WU, UM, MOM, SOIH, CSCC) to implement all the activities and revise the final deliverables. In period 1 under the coordination of BATTI, PPs started discussing the DANOVA NEXT toolkit: Framework for innovation and exploitation of advanced technologies (A1.2) and MOM moved the initial steps towards the Definition of the Strategy for accessible transport in the Danube Region (A1.3) In the framework of this last activity, the first meeting of the transnational Technical Working Group (TWG) was held in Varna (28th of June 2024) to collect experts’ input for the Strategy through questions designed to stimulate discussions. As for SO2, PPs started some initial brainstorming and collection of data for the proper and prompt definition of the joint framework for PRM digital accessibility data. Regarding the communication activities SOIH and the LP supported the PPs with communication requirements (as per programme manual), providing the Project Communication strategy. All PPs printed the project poster and published the news on their websites. During the first two periods the activities were implemented as initially foreseen in the application form and all deliverables were produced and finalised as expected, with the exception of a slight delay in SO2. SO1 was finalised within the end of Period 2, while SO2 and SO3 are ongoing. The consortium is now proceeding with SO2 with a slight delay in the launch of the Network (Activity 2.1), due to the need to properly coordinate the development of the Framework and of the Smart Network and in the Activity 2.3 for the development and testing of the DANOVA NEXT App, due to the need to carefully take the needed time for discussion and harmonisation of needs and partners technical requirement for data sharing. This slight delay will not jeopardise the implementation of SO3 activities, which are already ongoing, All the PPs were actively committed since the initial steps but the launch of the project activities and the coordination of 16 partners (plus associated partners) was challenging and time-consuming at the beginning and the LP spent some time to align the “old” partners (from the previous DANOVA project) and the “new” ones who joined the DANOVA NEXT consortium. DBV as lead partner spent part of its work in the coordination and supervision of the partners’ contributions and participation. The cooperation among PPs was really fruitful in this first two periods and no major problems were faced. During the first two reporting periods, all other preparatory activities have been implemented such as adoption of decisions and other project documents by the internal offices of the PPs, introduction to the content of program documents: Program manual, Implementation manual, etc, providing appropriate (paper and electronic) project documentation and setting up the management structure, both at project level and at PP level with related staff appointment. Financial supervision was provided to the partners for the proper monitoring of the spending forecast as well as for a budget reallocation that was finalised and sent to the JS on December 2024. A series of meetings proved invaluable for team-building and knowledge sharing. The partners gathered in Dubrovnik for the Kick-off Meeting in February 2024, followed by a second transnational project meeting in Varna in June 2024, while the meeting held during the 2nd period PPs met in Bucharest for the 3rd TPM on the 5thof December 2024. Additional coordination was maintained through a joint online meeting in January and numerous bilateral online sessions as needed. These gatherings not only helped everyone get acquainted but also fostered the exchange of ideas and expertise, enabling the team to collaboratively shape the project’s future activities. A major focus of the first phase of the project was the completion of Activity 1.1: the assessment of needs and existing solutions related to accessible transport in the Danube Region. This work was carried out at both local and transnational levels, involving target users and mapping stakeholders and best practices to inform the project’s approach. DBV worked closely with task leaders to implement these activities and refine the final deliverables. The first meeting of the transnational Technical Working Group (TWG) was held in Varna in June 2024, where experts provided valuable input for the strategy through structured discussions. The majority of work of the second period was related to the finalisation of A1.2 DANOVA NEXT toolikit and A1.3 Strategy for Accessible Transport, with the finalisation of the Transnational Working Groups meeting and the delivery of the first project output (Strategy). All SO1 As for SO2, A2.2 was finalised with the Establishment of minimum levels of standardised data and definition of features of the DANOVA NEXT application, that will allow future finalisation of A2.3. As for A2.1, the development of a common framework (D2.1.1) to ensure inclusive data by establishing a network of transport modes, facilities, and organizations was finalised. Although this activity experienced slight delays, its outcomes were finalised at the beginning of Period3. A first step towards the pilot action was launched in Period 3 with the collection of input from partners to draft a first version of Pilot Concepts (SO3 – A3.1) Regarding the communication activities SOIH and the LP supported the PPs with communication requirements (as per programme manual), providing the Project Communication strategy and monitoring tool. All PPs printed the project poster and published the news on their websites and social media channels Up to now a great work in terms of target groups engagement was done, especially for Infrastructure and service providers (29 organisations involved) and Interest groups and NGOs (56 organisations at the end of Period2). During the three reporting periods, the project activities proceeded largely as planned, with all deliverables completed except for a slight delay in Specific Objective 2 (SO2). SO1 was completed by the end of Period 2, while SO2 and SO3 are still ongoing. The delay in SO2 stems from the need for careful coordination in developing the Network framework and the DANOVA NEXT app, but this will not affect the progress of SO3 activities. The lead partner (DBV) and consortium members, including 16 partners plus associates, actively engaged from the start. Initial coordination was challenging due to integrating new and former partners, but cooperation was productive with no major issues. Preparatory steps such as project documentation, management structures, financial supervision, and budget adjustments were successfully implemented. Several key meetings aided team building and knowledge exchange, including three transnational project meetings (Dubrovnik, Varna, Bucharest) and additional online sessions. Communication efforts were supported by SOIH and the lead partner, including delivering the communication strategy, monitoring tools, and promoting the project through posters, websites, and social media. During the third reporting period, the PPs effectively advanced project objectives through several coordinated activities and the LP ensured thorough cooperation with all project partners and stakeholders. Key focus of this last reporting period was related to the development of the DANOVA NEXT application, selecting the company for its development, defining technical parameters, specifications, and possibilities for data set integration. Although the application experienced slight delays, its completion is foreseen in the upcoming semester. The LP coordinated the PPS that prepared data sets to be integrated into the web interface; As responsible for A2.1 the Lead Partner developed a unified framework for PRM digital accessibility data, with technical and editorial support from BATTI. The LP also collected the Letters of Intent to join the PRM Smart Transport Network, signed by all the PPs committing to its long-term promotion and support. Under A3.1 the three pilot concepts (one for each mode of transport) were developed by UM with the participation of all partners. The local participatory action plans for each pilot location were drawn up under the leadership of PP3 APM. PP16 WU Wien has, in co-operation with the partners, defined the KPIs to be monitored during implementation and used for evaluation. A significant effort was put into the preparation and definition of pilot concepts and consequent pilot actions at local level, as well in supporting the responsible partners for the development of the Pilot concepts and action plans. Numerous meetings and technical consultations were conducted to define the pilot. As additional activity, PPs agree to participate in the Workshop on Accessible Documents, focusing on processing DANOVA NEXT project outputs into formats accessible for visually impaired persons (26.02.2025). The First Year Review (FYR) was held in Budapest on March 10, 2025, with direct attendance by the project officer, while PPs met for the 4th TPM in Kotor on May 29-30, 2025. During the last period, dissemination activities focused on - internal coordination meetings to ensure smooth project implementation. - regular discussions with stakeholders to foster collaboration and gather inputs. Discussion and brainstorming on technical features of future solutions. Throughout the reporting period, PPs adhered to the communication guidelines and templates provided by SOIH. In compliance with the established rules, PPs disseminated information about the activities on the project’s website/social media. The project was presented during the Croatia port days to numerous stakeholders (27-28.3.2025). Up to now a great work in terms of target groups engagement was done, especially for Infrastructure and service providers (61 organisations involved) and Interest groups and NGOs (74 organisations at the end of Period3).

Project outputs: Strategy for accessible transport in the Danube Region(EN)
Organisations cooperating for the transport accessibility in the Danube Region(EN)
Customised pilot participatory actions(EN)
Replication Package for improving accessibility in transport(EN)
Website: https://interreg-danube.eu/projects/danova-next

Thematic information

ICT and digital society Transport and mobility Social inclusion and equal opportunities

Priority: (VI-B_D_1) Priority 1 - A more competitive and smarter Danube Region

Priority specific objective: RSO1.1. Developing and enhancing research and innovation capacities and the uptake of advanced technologies

Priority policy objective (Interreg specific objective): PO1 A more competitive and smarter Europe by promoting innovative and smart economic transformation and regional ICT connectivity

Type of intervention: 018 IT services and applications for digital skills and digital inclusion

Partners (17)

Lead Partner: Zračna luka Dubrovnik d.o.o.

Partner’s ID if not PIC: 63145279942

Address: Dobrota , 20213 Čilipi, Croatia

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Infrastructure and (public) service provider

Website: https://www.airport-dubrovnik.hr/

Total budget: EUR 343 000.00

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 274 400.00

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 80.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 68 600.00

Contractors:

Name: BIZ NOCODE SRL
VAT registration or tax identification number: RO50910428
Name: ROTO d.o.o.
VAT registration or tax identification number: SI91004721
Name: PHP REAL CEZARY WOJTKOWIAK
VAT registration or tax identification number: PL6180060141
Name: PRIMAT-LOGISTIKA d.o.o.
VAT registration or tax identification number: HR64645054565
Name: METUS d.o.o.
VAT registration or tax identification number: HR24690129373

Lead Partner: Zračna luka Dubrovnik d.o.o.

Partner’s ID if not PIC: 63145279942

Address: Dobrota , 20213 Čilipi, Croatia

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Infrastructure and (public) service provider

Website: https://www.airport-dubrovnik.hr/

Total budget: EUR 343 000.00

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 274 400.00

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 80.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 68 600.00

Wirtschaftsuniversität Wien

Name: Wirtschaftsuniversität Wien

Department: Institute for Transport and Logistics Management

Partner’s ID if not PIC: ATU 37694107

Address: Welthandelsplatz, 1020 Wien, Austria

Department address: Welthandelsplatz, 1020 Wien, Austria

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Higher education and research organisations

Website: https://www.wu.ac.at/en/itl/

Total budget: EUR 103 000.00

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 82 400.00

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 80.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 20 600.00

Българска асоциация за трансфер на технологии и иновации

Name: Българска асоциация за трансфер на технологии и иновации

Partner’s ID if not PIC: 176712293

Address: Slivnitsa Blvd., 9000 Varna, Bulgaria

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Interest groups including NGOs

Website: http://www.batti.eu

Total budget: EUR 125 000.00

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 100 000.00

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 80.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 25 000.00

Univerza v Mariboru

Name: Univerza v Mariboru

Department: Faculty of Civil Engineering, Transportation Engineering and Architecture

Partner’s ID if not PIC: SI71674705

Address: Slomškov trg, SI-2000 Maribor, Slovenia

Department address: Slomškov trg, SI-2000 Podravska, Slovenia

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Higher education and research organisations

Website: https://www.um.si

Total budget: EUR 140 000.00

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 112 000.00

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 80.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 28 000.00

Contractors:

Name: Društvo študentov invalidov SI
VAT registration or tax identification number: 36523976

Zajednica saveza osoba s invaliditetom Hrvatske

Name: Zajednica saveza osoba s invaliditetom Hrvatske

Partner’s ID if not PIC: HR52838275498

Address: Savska cesta , 10000 Zagreb, Croatia

Legal status: private

Organisation type: Interest groups including NGOs

Website: https://soih@zg.t-com.hr

Total budget: EUR 100 000.00

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 80 000.00

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 80.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 20 000.00

Asociatia Nationala a Surzilor din România

Name: Asociatia Nationala a Surzilor din România

Partner’s ID if not PIC: 4950755

Address: Strada Italiana, 020973 Bucharest, Romania

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Interest groups including NGOs

Website: http://ansr.org.ro/

Total budget: EUR 110 000.00

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 88 000.00

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 80.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 22 000.00

Blinden- und Sehbehindertenverband Österreich

Name: Blinden- und Sehbehindertenverband Österreich

Partner’s ID if not PIC: ZVR 903235877

Address: Hietzinger Kai , 1130 Vienna, Austria

Legal status: private

Organisation type: Interest groups including NGOs

Website: http://www.blindenverband.at

Total budget: EUR 90 000.00

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 72 000.00

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 80.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 18 000.00

Contractors:

Name: Dr. Susanne Buchner-Sabathy
VAT registration or tax identification number: Umsatzsteuerbefreit
Name: DI Doris Ossberger
VAT registration or tax identification number: Umsatzsteuerbefreit

Dopravný podnik Bratislava, akciová spoločnosť

Name: Dopravný podnik Bratislava, akciová spoločnosť

Department: Department of Strategy and Projects

Partner’s ID if not PIC: SK2020298786

Address: Olejkárska , 814 52 Bratislava, Slovakia

Department address: Olejkárska , 814 52 Bratislava, Slovakia

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Infrastructure and (public) service provider

Website: http://www.dpb.sk

Total budget: EUR 226 400.00

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 181 120.00

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 80.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 45 280.00

Czech Smart City Cluster, z.s.

Name: Czech Smart City Cluster, z.s.

Partner’s ID if not PIC: CZ04604563

Address: Újezd, 118 01 Prague, Czech Republic

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Interest groups including NGOs

Website: https://czechsmartcitycluster.com/en/home-en/

Total budget: EUR 210 000.00

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 168 000.00

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 80.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 42 000.00

Mestna občina Maribor

Name: Mestna občina Maribor

Partner’s ID if not PIC: 12709590

Address: Ulica heroja Staneta, SI-2000 Maribor, Slovenia

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Local public authority

Website: http://www.maribor.si

Total budget: EUR 160 000.00

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 128 000.00

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 80.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 32 000.00

Contractors:

Name: Javno podjetje Marprom, d.o.o.
VAT registration or tax identification number: 92859976
Name: Društvo študentov invalidov Sl
VAT registration or tax identification number: 36523976

Lučka Uprava Pula

Name: Lučka Uprava Pula

Partner’s ID if not PIC: HR98035365721

Address: Riva, 52100 Pula, Croatia

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Regional public authority

Website: http://www.lup.hr

Total budget: EUR 150 000.00

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 120 000.00

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 80.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 30 000.00

Contractors:

Name: Argo Srl
VAT registration or tax identification number: IT02495720399

Akcionarsko društvo za uslužne djelatnosti u međunarodnom pomorskom saobraćaju Luka Kotor A.D. Kotor

Name: Akcionarsko društvo za uslužne djelatnosti u međunarodnom pomorskom saobraćaju Luka Kotor A.D. Kotor

Partner’s ID if not PIC: 92/31-00023-8

Address: Park Slobode , 85330 Kotor, Montenegro

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Infrastructure and (public) service provider

Website: http://www.portofkotor.com

Total budget: EUR 150 000.00

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 120 000.00

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 80.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 30 000.00

Contractors:

Name: Roto Podjetje za predelavo in
VAT registration or tax identification number: SI91004721
Name: Efel Motors DOO
VAT registration or tax identification number: 02377241
Name: Nikoleta Djukanovic
VAT registration or tax identification number: n/a

Înterpinderea de Stat “Aeroportul International Chișinau”

Name: Înterpinderea de Stat “Aeroportul International Chișinau”

Partner’s ID if not PIC: 0300107

Address: Bd. Dacia, MD-2026 Chisinau, Moldova

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Enterprise, except SME

Website: http://www.airport.md

Total budget: EUR 160 000.00

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 128 000.00

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 80.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 32 000.00

Contractors:

Name: ELECTEH SRL
VAT registration or tax identification number: 1003600113045/0402584
Name: Geoter-Com SRL
VAT registration or tax identification number: 10036000009799/0204920

J.P. Međunarodni aerodrom "SARAJEVO" d.o.o. Sarajevo

Name: J.P. Međunarodni aerodrom "SARAJEVO" d.o.o. Sarajevo

Partner’s ID if not PIC: 200068970001

Address: Kurta Schorka, 71210 Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Infrastructure and (public) service provider

Website: https://www.sarajevo-airport.ba/

Total budget: EUR 165 000.00

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 132 000.00

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 80.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 33 000.00

“Aerodromi Crne Gore” AD

Name: “Aerodromi Crne Gore” AD

Partner’s ID if not PIC: 20/31-00135-0

Address: Podgorica Airport, Administration building, 81000 Podgorica, Montenegro

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Infrastructure and (public) service provider

Website: http://www.montenegroairports.com

Total budget: EUR 175 000.00

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 140 000.00

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 80.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 35 000.00

Contractors:

Name: Roto Podjetje za predelavo
VAT registration or tax identification number: SI91004721
Name: DR TRADE DOO
VAT registration or tax identification number: 30/31-00511-5
Name: GKM doo Podgorica
VAT registration or tax identification number: 02305623
Name: Nikoleta Djukanovic
VAT registration or tax identification number: n/a

Budapest Airport Zrt.

Name: Budapest Airport Zrt.

Department: Terminal Services / BUD IT / Corporate Finance

Partner’s ID if not PIC: 12724163-4-44

Address: Nemzetkozi Repuloter, 1085 Budapest, Hungary

Department address: Nemzetkozi Repuloter, 1085 Budapest, Hungary

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Enterprise, except SME

Website: http://www.bud.hu

Total budget: EUR 215 000.00

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 172 000.00

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 80.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 43 000.00

Partners map

Partners and Projects info

Wirtschaftsuniversität Wien

Smart Transport Network for the accessibility of Passengers with disabilities and reduced mobility in the Danube Region through innovative services

Partners and Projects info

Bulgarian Association for Transfer of Technology and Innovation - BATTI

Smart Transport Network for the accessibility of Passengers with disabilities and reduced mobility in the Danube Region through innovative services

Partners and Projects info

University of Maribor

Smart Transport Network for the accessibility of Passengers with disabilities and reduced mobility in the Danube Region through innovative services

Partners and Projects info

Croatian Union of Associations of Persons with Disabilities

Smart Transport Network for the accessibility of Passengers with disabilities and reduced mobility in the Danube Region through innovative services

Partners and Projects info

Romanian National Association of the Deaf

Smart Transport Network for the accessibility of Passengers with disabilities and reduced mobility in the Danube Region through innovative services

Partners and Projects info

Austrian Federation of the Blind and Partially Sighted

Smart Transport Network for the accessibility of Passengers with disabilities and reduced mobility in the Danube Region through innovative services

Partners and Projects info

Public Transport Company Bratislava

Smart Transport Network for the accessibility of Passengers with disabilities and reduced mobility in the Danube Region through innovative services

Partners and Projects info

Czech Smart City Cluster

Smart Transport Network for the accessibility of Passengers with disabilities and reduced mobility in the Danube Region through innovative services

Partners and Projects info

Mestna občina

Smart Transport Network for the accessibility of Passengers with disabilities and reduced mobility in the Danube Region through innovative services

Partners and Projects info

Pula Port Authority

Smart Transport Network for the accessibility of Passengers with disabilities and reduced mobility in the Danube Region through innovative services

Partners and Projects info

Port of Kotor

Smart Transport Network for the accessibility of Passengers with disabilities and reduced mobility in the Danube Region through innovative services

Partners and Projects info

State Enterprise “Chisinau International Airport”

Smart Transport Network for the accessibility of Passengers with disabilities and reduced mobility in the Danube Region through innovative services

Partners and Projects info

PC Sarajevo International Airport LCC Sarajevo

Smart Transport Network for the accessibility of Passengers with disabilities and reduced mobility in the Danube Region through innovative services

Partners and Projects info

Airports of Montenegro JSC

Smart Transport Network for the accessibility of Passengers with disabilities and reduced mobility in the Danube Region through innovative services

Partners and Projects info

Budapest Airport

Smart Transport Network for the accessibility of Passengers with disabilities and reduced mobility in the Danube Region through innovative services

Partners and Projects info

Dubrovnik Airport Ltd.

Smart Transport Network for the accessibility of Passengers with disabilities and reduced mobility in the Danube Region through innovative services

Partners and Projects info

Dubrovnik Airport Ltd.

Smart Transport Network for the accessibility of Passengers with disabilities and reduced mobility in the Danube Region through innovative services

Lead partner

Project partner

Summary

Project name (EN): Smart Transport Network for the accessibility of Passengers with disabilities and reduced mobility in the Danube Region through innovative services

Project acronym: DANOVA NEXT

Project ID: DRP0200298

Project start date: 2024-01-01

Project end date: 2026-06-30

Project status: ongoing

Relevant linked projects:

Interreg DANUBE “DANOVA” (EN) | The project represents a follow-up initiative based on the previous experience of some of the partners in the DANOVA project, that was addressing the accessibility of airports, ports and local urban transport for blind and partially sighted passengers. Thanks to the great work done by the partnership, synergies created with many stakeholders in the private and public sector, PPs agreed to exploit and capitalise the successful results into a project with a wider impact, focusing not only to the accessibility for blind and partially sighted but to all type of disabilities, including PPs with specific expertise in hearing impairments and Passengers with Reduced Mobility (PRM) and testing both the physical access to the transportation facilities involved, as well digital access to data and information, thanks to a fully accessible DTIS (Digital Travel Information System) and the creation of a Smart Network of transport facilities working on the sharing of data, practices & services in the DR. (EN), H2020 Towards more accessIble and iNCLUSIve mObility solutions for EuropeaN prioritised areas (EN) | The main objective of the INCLUSION project was to understand, assess and evaluate the accessibility and inclusiveness of transport solutions in European prioritised areas, identify gaps and unmet needs, propose and experiment with a range of innovative and transferable solutions, including ICT-enabled elements, ensuring accessible, inclusive and equitable conditions for all and especially vulnerable user categories. A number of innovative solutions were concretely tried out and validated through real-life experiments (Innovation Pilot Labs) in a mix of urban, peri-/sub-urban and rural target areas in Belgium, Germany, Hungary, Italy, Spain and the UK, offering a variety of different transport environments, socio-economic contexts, cultural and geographical conditions.
The Airport of Budapest, who developed the DANOVA project in cooperation with BKK (local urban transport management in Budapest), will exploit BKK experience in this H2020 project to present the key outcomes and evaluation of the tested solutions and of the innovative technologies selected to the DANOVA NEXT partners during the Assessment of needs and existing solutions (A1.1) and Definition of the Strategy for accessible transport in the Danube Region (A1.3) and related Transnational working group. (EN), H2020 TRIPS - A New Approach to Designing Transport Systems Free of Mobility Barriers (EN) | The project developed 2 tools that could support the DANOVA NEXT implementation: the Mobility Divide Index Platform (MDI) which is a indicator that evaluates the accessibility of transport service from the point of view of persons with disabilities, that will be integrated to the Activity 3.3 Impact evaluation and transferability actions and the Co-design for all Toolkit that provides an overview of the pilots and that will be considered for the definition of the Pilot Concepts.
Another synergy is related to the TRIPS project approach that recalls the DANOVA NEXT: bringing together associations of persons with disabilities with transportation partners and academic ones. The TRIPS approach will be exploited in the soft actions during the pilot actions for a concrete involvement of disabled target users in the disability advisory committees that will include members with a variety of disabilities (a group to regularly consult on questions of regulatory compliance and inclusive design) and Activation of Thematic Tables among target users and stakeholders. SOIH will be responsible for managing the contacts with the TRIPS project. (EN), ESPON - TRACC (TRansport ACCessibility at regional/local scale and patterns in Europe) (EN) | The project aimed at taking up and updating the results of previous studies on accessibility at the European scale, to extend the range of accessibility indicators by further indicators responding to new policy questions, to extend the spatial resolution of accessibility indicators and to explore the likely impacts of policies at the European and national scale to improve global, European and regional accessibility in the light of new challenges, such as globalisation, energy scarcity and climate change.
The TRACC Final Report will be used during the WP1 activities. (EN), FP7 “PTaccess – Public Transport System’s Accessibility for Disabled People in Europe” (EN) | The project partner University of Maribor was the partner in this project and it will make available the main outputs. For instance, adjustment of developed new generation navigation integrating indoor/outdoor routing services to the requirements of people with disabilities in mobility. (EN), Barrier-free. Information for travelers with limited mobility - Initiatives of the Munich Airport and Airport of Vienna (EN) | During the assessment and the pilot preparation, PPs will take into consideration the experiences of 2 key airports: Munich and Vienna that worked both on the physical accessibility and digital accessibility to information.
The synergies between the project partners and these airports started during the Final Conference of the DANOVA project that created the first opportunity to share experiences and best practices. More specifically, the approach of the Airport of Vienna with thematic tables and the concrete engagement of the disabled users in periodic decisional meetings of the airport, inspired the DANOVA NEXT partners in the formulation of WP3 activities. The LP is coordinating the exchange with the airports, that will also be invited as experts in the project activities. (EN)

Total budget/expenditure: EUR 2 622 400.00

Total EU funding (amount): EUR 2 097 920.00

Total EU funding (co-financing rate): 80.00%

Co-financing sources:

Investments, deliverables, policy contributions

(bullets are inserted automatically and may be incorrectly placed)

Deliverables:

ASSESSMENT GRID
CONTACT LIST OF STAKEHOLDERS
UPDATED CATALOGUE OF BEST PRACTICES
ASSESSMENT FEEDBACK REPORT
PROJECT COMMUNICATION STRATEGY
DANOVA NEXT TOOLKIT
TEMPLATE FOR A MACRO-REGIONAL STRATEGY
TWG PROCEEDINGS
DANOVA REPLICATING PACKAGE
JOINT FRAMEWORK
SIGNED LETTERS OF INTENT
INVENTORY OF DIGITAL TRAVEL INFORMATION TOOLS
INTERFACE REQUIREMENTS COLLECTION
GUIDELINES FOR DTSI FEATURES
INTERACTIVE WEB APPLICATION
SOCIAL MEDIA CAMPAIGN
USERS FEEDBACK REPORT
USERS VIDEO INTERVIEWS
EVALUATION REPORT
CLUSTERING INITIATIVES
PILOT CONCEPTS
LOCAL PILOT PARTICIPATORY ACTION PLANS
APPRAISAL REPORTS ON TESTING
VIDEO PILLS
PILOTS EVALUATION GUIDE
UPDATED REPLICATION PACKAGE
LOCAL EVENTS

Contribution to wider strategies and policies:

EUStrategyDanubeRegion The key contribution of the project to the EUSDR will mainly focus on reducing innovation barriers and closing the innovation gap across the Danube Region, thanks to the improvement of the physical accessibility of the air/water/urban transport by creating and testing innovative services and the digital accessibility to data - Digital Travel Information Services (DTIS) to all types of disability, through the establishment of a Smart Network of transport facilities, that will work on data sharing, standardization and harmonisation contributing to reduce the innovation gap across the DR.
Within the framework of DANOVA NEXT, 3 pilot activity concepts will be implemented in 10 pilot implementation sites distributed throughout the DR. All 10 pilots will implement cross-cutting activities and fully accessible digital travel information services (DTIS). With these activities, DANOVA NEXT strengthens cross-sectoral cooperation, technology transfer and coordination, thus contributing significantly to the overall efforts to reduce barriers to innovation and close the innovation gap. Specifically, DANOVA NEXT implements actions related to the following EUSDR:
- PA 1b Action 7
- PA 7 Action 4
- PA 8 Action 1
- PA 9 Action 3 and 4
- PA 10 Action 1, 7 and 8
The involvement of the main target group of the project (passengers with all types of disabilities) will specifically contribute to the implementation of the EU Disability Strategy under the EUSDR Action Plan.
Synergies with the EUSDR Strategy will further be sought through invitations to EUSDR Priority Area Coordinators for participation in the DANOVA NEXT Transnational working group, in order to include the key elements and strategic approach of the EUSDR and its priorities into the DANOVA NEXT Strategy for accessible transfer in the DR.
Furthermore,presentations of DANOVA NEXT will be made in the EUSDR PA steering groups to improve the visibility of the project and the dissemination of the results among EUSDR stakeholders.
EuropeanGreenDeal The European Green Deal will transform the EU into a modern, resource-efficient and competitive economy, ensuring a decrease of greenhouse gases and resource use.
As DANOVA NEXT focuses on the development/implementation of joint pilot actions and macro-regional strategy for accessibility in the field of transportation, a sector with significant impact on the environment falling under the scope of the SEA Directive, the project foresees to carry out Strategic Environmental Assessment procedures to guarantee the highest possible level of environmental protection, by integrating environmental considerations into the design and implementation of the project outputs and activities, with the final aim of reducing its carbon footprint and promoting sustainable development.
Each partner will also be responsible for following their respective national regulations on the Environmental Impact Assessment in relation to the implementation of the Strategy and of the pilot actions at their local levels falling into the scope of the EIA Directive.
SEA procedures will also be taken into account as a parameter in the assessment of the existing solutions for the development of the Web-based Catalogue of best practices for travellers with visual impairments & hearing impairments and PRM, in order to verify the actual environmental impact of the identified solutions.
Moreover the European Green Deal underlines among their scopes: “no person and no place left behind” and the DANOVA NEXT will represent a great added value towards this approach, through the direct engagement of disabled passengers and thanks to the great benefit that they will gain by exploiting the project results and the improved accessibility of different transport modes in the Danube Region.
TerritorialAgenda2030 The project will contribute to the Territorial Agenda 2030, since it aims at reducing inequalities between people and between places and ensuring a future for all places and people in Europe, by improving the accessibility of airports, ports and local urban transport for all type of disabilities and by harmonising the accessibility approach and the data sharing among different organisations in different Countries.
More specifically, the project will contribute to the following priorities:
> Balanced Europe
Better balanced territorial development utilising Europe’s diversity, by tackling two crucial aspects the lack of services and barrier-free transport and the lack of harmonisation among Countries, also considering the gap among old, new Member States and the non-member states of the DR related to the level of innovation and uptake of advanced technologies. This impacts on the capacity to cooperate and to reach a balanced territorial development. The project will address the scarcity and poor conditions of equipment and infrastructure, as well as the lack of real coordination in procedures and definition of innovative solutions among the involved Countries, fostering a new harmonised development in the transport accessibility in Europe.
> Sustainable Connections
Sustainable digital and physical connectivity of places, since the project will create a smart network among airports, ports and local urban transport companies sharing and harmonising data, information and services through an application providing fully accessible Digital Travel Information Services (DTIS).
Other EU Strategy for the rights of persons with disabilities 2021-2030
The project will strongly contribute to the objectives of this strategy by improving the lives of persons with disabilities in Europe with a specific focus on the accessibility to different means of transport.
The project will concretely support the strategic priority “move freely in the EU regardless of their support needs” by enhancing the level of accessibility of the transport facilities (airports, ports and local urban transport) and, at the same time, by empowering persons with disabilities and providing tools for self-managing their travel (DANOVA NEXT Application) so they can enjoy their rights and participate fully in society and economy, in fact despite the progress made in the past decade, persons with disabilities still face considerable barriers and have a higher risk of poverty and social exclusion.
The project is also contributing to achieve the requirements set up by the EU Directive “European Accessibility Act” and the Regulations on the Rights of Passengers with reduced mobility. In fact, the Act explicitly refers to obligations to make accessible to disabled people products and services such as “ticketing, check-in machines, services related to air, bus, rail and waterborne passenger transport”.
People with visual/hearing impairments and PRM will be involved in every phase of the project implementation to ensure their active engagement and that all activities are designed and realised in an accessible and inclusive way. This TG will be crucial in the initial need assessment phase, involving representatives in local workshops to collect their expectations & needs as travellers, in the elaboration of the DANOVA NEXT application through local workshops to present the app and jointly define the testing, and finally in the pilot actions testing, through the set up of a disability advisory committee for regular consultation and activities assessment.

Programme Common Output Indicator:

RCO 084 - Pilot actions developed jointly and implemented in projects, Measurement unit:
RCO 116 - Jointly developed solutions, Measurement unit:
RCO 083 - Strategies and action plans jointly developed, Measurement unit:
RCO 087 - Organisations cooperating across borders, Measurement unit:

Delivered output indicator(s):

(RCO83) Strategies and action plans jointly developed: 1.0

Programme Common Result Indicator:

RCR 104 - Solutions taken up or up-scaled by organisations, Measurement unit:
RCR 079 - Joint strategies and action plans taken up by organisations, Measurement unit:

Programme Result Indicator:

ISI - Organisations with increased institutional capacity due to their participation in cooperation activities across the borders, Measurement unit: No. of organisations

Delivered result indicator(s):

(RCR79) Joint strategies and action plans taken up by organisations: 1.0

Project part of European Union Macro-Regional or Sea Basin Strategy: EUSDR

Information regarding the data in keep.eu on the programme financing this project

Financing programme

2021 - 2027 Interreg VI-B Danube

Latest month of project-partner-call data publication

2026-04

No. of projects in keep.eu / Total no. of projects (% of projects in keep.eu)

138 / 138 (100%)

No. of project partnerships in keep.eu / Total no. of project partnerships (% of project partnerships in keep.eu)

1 431 / 1 413 (101.27%)

Notes on the data

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Smart Transport Network for the accessibility of Passengers with disabilities and reduced mobility in the Danube Region through innovative services

Description

Thematic information

Partners (17)

Partners map

Summary

Investments, deliverables, policy contributions

Information regarding the data in keep.eu on the programme financing this project

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