Heathrow introduces new Multimobby electric vehicles

Vehicles to benefit passengers with mobility issues or disabilities

Heathrow has introduced new full electric multi-passenger vehicles for people with mobility issues provided by UK firm OmniServ.

The Multimobby, developed by Special Mobility in the Netherlands, can carry up to seven people plus an operator through terminals, Heathrow saying they will significantly enhance the assistance services provided to passengers

Heathrow is the world’s second busiest international passenger airport, and in 2017 it welcomed around 1.25 million passengers who required extra assistance.

Persons with Reduced Mobility (PRM) is an official EU designation and includes people who have difficulty walking, may be wheelchair users, or who may have other, less obvious disabilities.

Jonathan Coen, director of customer relations and service at Heathrow, said: “We are committed to improving the journeys of all of our passengers – no matter their requirements.

“An airport the size of Heathrow can be difficult to manoeuvre through and these Multimobbys will make a real difference to our passengers requiring assistance, particularly those with mobility issues or disabilities.

“The introduction of technology like Multimobbys forms part of our wider efforts to transform our assistance service– including investing £23 million in an upgraded contract with OmniServ, and help us deliver the high levels of passenger service people have rightly come to expect from us.”

Samantha Berry, head of innovation and regulatory compliance at OmniServ added: “OmniServ is committed to delivering the best possible experience for all passengers at Heathrow, including people who find it difficult to make their own way through the terminals.

“The new Multimobby vehicles are part of a major investment we are making in new equipment and technologies, which is being backed with in-depth training for our staff, that will help us deliver on that promise.”

Frank Bod, managing director of Special Mobility, said: “The Multimobby has been designed and developed in cooperation with OmniServ and Heathrow. It has become a unique people mover for PRM users offering vast benefits compared to the more traditional ‘golf carts’.”

Heathrow, OmniServ and Special Mobility worked together to design a customised version of the Multimobby people mover to Heathrow’s requirements, including the ability to fit in the airport’s lifts and a space to attach a wheelchair.