Companions in French public transportation
The French ‘Les Compagnons du voyage’ (the transportation companion), created in 1993, offers an aid service in public transportation for children, elderly- or disabled people. The idea behind this practice is that it helps to acquire or maintain independence.
Description: Making life easier in cities for anyone in need of support during their travel
Les Compagnons du voyage strives to make life easier in cities for any person in need of support during their travel. The service is offered regularly and companions are required to be on time. They are trained to work as a companion, they know about first aid, and they go about with a positive attitude towards the traveller in need. Informed about various disabilities the ‘compagnons’ learn sign language or techniques to guide visually impaired people. They also know the main effects of Alzheimer's disease. In short travel companions are taught a good sense of service.
Method: available 7 days a week
Travellers in need of aid in public transportation can reach Les
Compagnons du voyage via telephone, email or via mail service. Thus
travellers can reach out for help in various ways assuring them of
service 7 days a week. There are more than 100 active companion who
can choose to help out part-time or fulltime. The service costs are
between 15 and 25 euros an hour but travellers can get part of
these costs back from the government. Many have made use of this
service since its opening, making it popular in France. Not only
are children, elderly- and disabled people helped with this
service, but it also creates job opportunity for the companions.