Detailed description (English): Public transport plays a major role in the sustainable development of urban areas. However, transport and infrastructure must be efficient and in line with the wishes and demands of passengers. Local residents have knowledge and experience about the quality of services they want. Citizens include basic knowledge of ecology, environment, local livelihood problems and resource mobilization in planning processes when they are involved.
The Consumer Protection Agency (CPA) took the initiative to implement the "Travel responsibly" project, with the aim of educating and informing the young generation on urban mobility consumer rights as well as encouraging them to be responsible and active citizens in society. During this project CPA informed young students about safety and regulation during the proper use of public transport as a common good.
This awareness campaign was carried out within the program for the provision of local public services, since CPA monitors, controls and takes measures regarding the respect of contractual obligations regarding the provision of public transport services by urban mobility operators.
The information was provided verbally by the relevant specialists, with leaflets and animated video shows, near the bus installation and the station, in the square near Tirana City Hall. The project consisted of the realization of diverse and interesting activities with the role-playing game where the students were placed in the roles of passenger, driver and ticket collector. Children were provided with leaflets, animated video training and animated tickets.
Target group(s): The beneficiaries of this project are the students of Tirana public and private elementary schools, social service centers, foster care and summer camps, as well as parents and teachers who were indirectly affected by the implementation of the project activity.
Some concrete results that we aim to achieve through this project-proposal are:
- 2000 young people trained;
- Improvement of civic behavior in the younger generations using public services;
- Raising awareness for the distribution of consumer rights information in the community.
Objectives: The general objective is the active and contributory involvement of consumers in various forms of action and activities, for the benefit of increasing cooperation and coordination between all relevant factors and local components, for the purpose of consumer protection, through awareness campaigns on the rights of passengers on public transport.
Specific objectives:
• Informing young citizens about safety elements, signage inside the bus and at the station, as well as the importance of using the ticket;
• Training young people on proper civic behavior during public transport usage;
• Presentation of the best European models in respect of public transport rules;
• Encouraging young people to volunteer.
Partner: The Consumer Protection Agency is an institution subordinate to the Municipality of Tirana.
Albania