On 19 June 2026, BATTI presented the main results of the international DANOVA NEXT project in Varna. The initiative is dedicated to improving transport accessibility for persons with disabilities and passengers with reduced mobility.
The dissemination event was held at the Modus venue and brought together representatives of stakeholder organisations, experts, and citizens who share the vision of making travel more accessible, safe, and comfortable for everyone. During the meeting, the BATTI team presented the progress achieved, the practical tools developed, and good practices implemented by project partners across the Danube Region.
DANOVA NEXT has developed a smart transport network designed to support people with mobility, visual, or hearing impairments when planning and undertaking their journeys. The project covers air, water, and urban public transport and promotes the use of innovative technologies, accessible information, and harmonised approaches.
Turning Passengers’ Needs into Practical Solutions
During the event, BATTI presented the findings of the assessment of the needs of persons with disabilities in Bulgaria, together with conclusions collected in the other partner countries. Participants discussed common barriers related to inaccessible infrastructure, insufficient advance information, communication difficulties, and differences in accessibility standards among transport operators.
Particular attention was paid to good practices and infrastructure improvements introduced by transport partners such as Budapest Airport, Dubrovnik Airport, and the Port of Kotor. These examples demonstrate how targeted investment, appropriate technologies, and the active involvement of persons with disabilities can bring tangible improvements to the transport environment.
The event also presented an accessibility self-assessment tool. It enables transport operators to examine the current condition of their services and infrastructure, identify accessibility gaps, and receive practical recommendations for improvement.
Digital Information Supporting Independent Travel
One of the project’s key results is the DANOVA NEXT regional web platform, which brings together accessibility information from airports, ports, and urban public transport systems.
The platform is designed to help passengers with disabilities and reduced mobility find reliable information about accessible routes, services, facilities, and available assistance. This allows them to plan their journeys with greater confidence, independence, and security.
In addition to the digital platform, the project developed a Strategy for Accessible Transport in the Danube Region, a smart network for sharing accessibility data, customised pilot actions, and a replication package supporting the transfer of the solutions to other cities and transport hubs.
International Cooperation with a Lasting Impact
DANOVA NEXT brings together 16 project partners and two associated organisations from 11 countries. The consortium includes airports, seaports, urban public transport operators, universities, research organisations, and organisations representing persons with disabilities.
The project is implemented from 1 January 2024 until 30 June 2026, with a total budget of EUR 2,622,400. BATTI participates as a research partner, contributing to needs assessment, the development of practical tools, and the promotion of the project’s solutions among transport operators, public authorities, and stakeholder organisations.
The event in Varna demonstrated that accessibility should not be viewed merely as a technical requirement. It is a fundamental condition for equality, independence, and full participation in society.
Although DANOVA NEXT is reaching its conclusion, the solutions, partnerships, and practical tools developed within the project provide a strong foundation for future action and for the creation of a transport environment in which everyone can travel with dignity and confidence.
