IBSER continues its series of local government best practices: Korosten community's experience in introducing a Social Taxi service

The Institute for Budgetary and Socio-Economic Research (IBSER) continues its series of analytical publications highlighting best practices of territorial communities across Ukraine. The series showcases effective local governance solutions that have proven successful in practice and can be replicated by other municipalities.
The second publication features the Korosten Territorial Community in Zhytomyr region and its practice "Ensuring access to social, healthcare and public services through the introduction of a Social Taxi service."
For many people, the existence of social, healthcare or administrative services does not automatically mean they can access them. Persons with disabilities, older people with reduced mobility, children with disabilities and their families often face transportation barriers that prevent them from receiving essential services.
To address this challenge, the Korosten community introduced its Social Taxi service in 2013. Since then, the service has become an integral part of the local social protection system, providing transportation for people with limited mobility to healthcare institutions, social protection offices, administrative service centres, transport hubs and other public facilities.
The model combines a clear eligibility procedure, the use of a specially equipped Renault Master vehicle with a wheelchair lift, and a convenient advance booking system. This integrated approach has enabled the community to establish a sustainable transport support service that provides hundreds of trips for residents every year.
IBSER experts analysed and systematised the Korosten experience, examining the governance model, regulatory framework, service organisation and implementation results.
Based on this assessment, IBSER recommends the practice for wider replication by other territorial communities in Ukraine. The Korosten experience demonstrates that transport accessibility is a key prerequisite for equal access to social, healthcare and public services, while the Social Taxi model represents a practical and sustainable solution for supporting people with reduced mobility at the local level.
The publication also provides practical recommendations for local governments on assessing community needs, establishing the necessary regulatory framework, organising service delivery, ensuring sustainable resource planning and integrating transport support into the local social services system.
The full analytical publication is available at the link below.