Commitment to Inclusion: Adapting Ukrainian Railways App for People with Vision Impairments

Accessibility lies at the core of our business at Mastercard. We are committed to building a world of equal opportunities for all, where people with disabilities have barrier-free access to essential products and services, including financial ones.

Recently, we took a significant step toward this goal by furthering our partnership with Ukrainian Railways to adapt its ticketing app, launched together with Mastercard, to better serve people with vision impairments. This initiative not only highlights our dedication to inclusion but also reflects our belief that technology should empower everyone to navigate their world freely.

To enhance accessibility, we ensured that all elements of the app’s interface can be operated using voice commands and screen readers. Every button, switch, text field, and other interactive elements have been supplemented with text labels that describe their functions, creating a more accessible user experience, alongside optimized interface for better contrast and clarity.

Among other improvements, the app now features voiceover during the payment process. This function provides spoken details about the purchased ticket, including information about the train, the payment amount and the number of reward points in the Railways’ loyalty program earned. By offering these auditory cues, we aim to create a more intuitive and user-friendly experience, ensuring that passengers can easily navigate the payment process with confidence and independence.

Improvements to the app were made in accordance with recommendations, including the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG), to enhance accessibility and ease of use for individuals with vision impairments.

Ukrainian Railways launched its mobile app for ticket sales and passenger information, powered by Mastercard, in August 2022. Since then, the app has registered more than 2,845 million passengers and sold over 16.6 million tickets. With the latest enhancements, we are proud to have significantly improved accessibility for individuals with vision impairments, ensuring that all passengers can navigate their travel experience with ease.

From a broader perspective, Mastercard’s commitment to accessibility and inclusion extends beyond our partnership with Ukrainian Railways. Last year we launched a special 'Inclusive' class with the ride-hailing app Uklon, offering cars specifically designed for people using wheelchairs. Additionally, we added an accessible cabin for individuals with disabilities, particularly those using wheelchairs, on the iconic Ferris Wheel in Kyiv. These initiatives are part of our broader efforts to redefine mobility and inclusivity across Ukraine.

We are also working to empower those affected by the realities of war, particularly through our strategic collaboration with the Superhumans Center, a modern prosthetics and rehabilitation clinic in Ukraine. This partnership focuses on delivering state-of-the-art prosthetics, supporting facial reconstruction, and providing comprehensive rehabilitation for those in need.

Together, these efforts reflect our belief that everyone deserves the fundamental right to participate fully in society, fostering an inclusive future where all Ukrainians have the opportunity to thrive.