Andreas Kowol, who, in addition to his role as Wiesbaden’s transportation director, also serves as executive director of the state capital’s Prevention Council, explains the goals of this initiative: “To dispel unfounded fears, inform customers about available support options, and demonstrate in a practical way how the bus can be used safely and comfortably even by people with disabilities.” 

In Kowol’s view, people must still be able to participate in social life even if they have limited mobility: “Even if you’re not quite as fit as you used to be or rely on aids like a cane, walker, or wheelchair, you should still have the opportunity to visit friends or pursue your interests outside your own four walls.” In some cases, however, it makes sense to familiarize oneself anew or once again with the services and challenges of public transportation. 

How do I ride the bus as safely as possible? Will I get pinched if the door suddenly closes while I’m still boarding? Can the driver see me if I’m trying to board from the very back? How can walker and wheelchair users safely use a bus? Explanations, tips, and practical exercises—especially regarding questions like these—are designed to help seniors stay mobile for as long as possible. 

Participants have the option to board the bus on Thursday, April 16, at 1:20 p.m. at the “Hauptbahnhof A” stop (near Lili), at 1:35 p.m. at the “Weimarer Straße” stop (Bierstadt Wolfsfeld), or at 1:50 p.m. at the “Egerstraße” (Erbenheim) to board the bus and travel together to the event at 2:00 p.m. (stop “Ernst-Galonske-Straße” in the Kastel industrial park on Petersweg), where employees of ESWE Verkehr GmbH will provide tips and offer opportunities for hands-on practice. “No one should have to forgo using our buses out of fear or uncertainty. That is what we and our partners want to address in this training,” emphasizes Klaus Peter Wollny of ESWE Verkehrsgesellschaft mbH. 

The mobility training is offered as part of the “MAXimal mobil bleiben – mit Verantwortung” (Max Mobil) campaign by the “Gemeinsam sicher” working group of the Prevention Council of the State Capital of Wiesbaden, ESWE Verkehr GmbH, and the West Hesse Police Headquarters. 

Since only a limited number of spots are available, registration is required by phone at the Prevention Council’s office at (0611) 312545 or by email praeventionsrat@wiesbaden.de praeventionsratwiesbadendepraeventionsratwiesbadende.