The federation calls for simplifying tickets and cards so that people with intellectual disabilities can move independently. It hopes the new smart payment system will arrive by the end of 2027.
People with intellectual or developmental disabilities face a public transport system that, in the Community of Madrid, can become "a real maze". This is denounced by Plena Inclusión Madrid, which demands a more accessible, simple, and easy-to-use model, as reported by epe.es.
The federation has launched this demand coinciding with the European Mobility Week 2026. Its goal is to move towards a "barrier-free" network that allows for autonomous travel and enables all individuals to use the region's transport with greater independence.
Among the pending measures, the entity hopes that the deadlines announced by the regional government will be met to implement, by the end of 2027, a new smart payment system that simplifies access to public transport.
Plena Inclusión Madrid believes that this measure responds to a demand that people with intellectual or developmental disabilities have been raising "for years": to reduce the complexity of the various tickets, cards, and usage rules to promote more autonomous mobility.
The existence of different transport tickets, supports, and usage conditions can create confusion and hinder everyday activities such as going to work, studying, running errands, or visiting family and friends
The organization warns that this maze of formats and conditions complicates basic routines. Therefore, it calls for progress towards a "simpler and unified" system that improves personal autonomy and social participation for people with disabilities.
Additionally, Plena Inclusión Madrid has welcomed the approval of the new Regulation on basic conditions for cognitive accessibility, included in Royal Decree 707/2026. This regulation incorporates measures to facilitate access to transport for people with intellectual or developmental disabilities who need to travel accompanied.
The federation believes that this recognition represents "an important advance", as needing support during a journey "should not translate into an additional economic cost".
In this regard, the entity highlights the experience of the 'Travelling with Support' programme, developed alongside Alsa, which allows the accompanying person to travel for free when assisting a person with intellectual or developmental disabilities who needs support during the journey.
The organization argues that this initiative demonstrates that such measures are "viable" and have a direct impact on daily life, facilitating travel and expanding participation opportunities.
The new smart payment system being prepared by the regional government is expected to be implemented by the end of 2027. Until then, Plena Inclusión Madrid will continue to demand public transport that does not force people with intellectual disabilities to depend on others to move around the region.
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