### New Accessible Urban Transport Units Coming Soon in La Paz
**By: Gilberto Santiesteban**
*October 1, 2024*
La Paz residents with disabilities will soon benefit from improved accessibility in public transportation as two new units of the “Tiburón Urbano” are set to be introduced. These units will feature ramps and other necessary accommodations to ensure inclusivity, as confirmed by Abimael Ibarra Abúndez, a councilor of the Transport Commission of the XVII La Paz City Council.
The announcement comes in response to criticism from civil associations and activists who noted that none of the 20 initial units of Tiburón Urbano complied with legal requirements to support individuals with disabilities. “We demanded this and ensured it was included. There should be 12 units per route, with at least one equipped with a ramp for people with disabilities,” explained Ibarra.
The ramp-equipped buses are already in La Paz and are receiving final adjustments, including the addition of air conditioning before they are deployed. According to local legislation, specifically the Inclusion Law for Persons with Disabilities, it is discriminatory not to provide reasonable adjustments in public transport services.
The new system follows different logistical and financial protocols for better transparency and management. Payments are made digitally through a card system, which ensures that all collected funds go directly into a trust. From this trust, payments are made to the concession holders, preventing the funds from passing through the City Council.
Ibarra emphasized that while the transport operator has a collective concession, the Municipal Transport System permits more companies to join, provided they associate with current concessionaires under existing regulations. Each concession corresponds to one bus.
### Secondary Article: Local Groups Criticize Accessibility Issues in “Tiburón Urbano” Launch
**By: Local News Team**
*September 3, 2024*
As the new “Tiburón Urbano” transportation system launched, several local groups and disability advocates pointed out the lack of accessibility features in the initial fleet of buses. Despite the implementation of the system, none of the initial 20 buses included necessary accommodations for individuals with disabilities.
“This oversight highlights a serious gap in inclusivity and adherence to legal requirements,” one activist declared. Local advocacy groups are closely monitoring the situation to ensure the upcoming units meet all accessibility standards as promised.
Stay tuned with TJGringo.com for more updates on how La Paz improves its public transportation to become more inclusive and accessible for all.