June 17, 2019
The Metropolitan Transport Corporation of Chennai is gearing up to
introduce foldable wheelchair ramp in one of the buses which has been getting
mixed review from disability rights activists.
The Metropolitan Transport Corporation (MTC) of Chennai is
set to introduce foldable wheelchair ramps, on the lines of a hydraulic lift,
in their buses. These are meant to help people with disabilities get on board
and off with ease.
Disability rights activists have given a thumbs up to the idea but point out
that many other things need to be done as well.
Over the past many months, there has been a rising demand for ramps inside
buses that ply within city limits. The Madras High Court had
also criticised state officials for not providing accessibility in public
transport for disabled people. A team of officials from the MTC inspected the
bus last week to review changes that can be introduced.A few months back, the
MTC in Karnataka had worked with private companies to make bus stations in
Bengaluru accessible and disabled-friendly. Taking a cue from that, Chennai
officials planned something on the same lines.
Smitha Sadasivan, a member of the Disability Rights
Alliance (DRA) says there need to be some safety measures in place.
These hydraulic lifts do not represent universal access, meaning not all
people with disabilities can use this. Crutch users and other people with
invisible disabilities must have access to this facility. They must have
something to hold on when the lift goes up and down. More accessible buses
must be introduced to all routes instead of just one which is purely for
namesake. A disabled person will not be travelling in one route all the
time. – Smita Sadadivan, Member, Disability Right Alliance
Along with this, there should be signboards for deaf people and tactile cues
for people with visual impairments as well, she points out.
There are other facilities that need to be incorporated so disabled
passengers can travel comfortably inside the bus without being affected by
others in the bus. The crew must also be able to operate the ramps properly
so they don’t become rusty in due course of time.
“We urge the state government to make this bus facility a reality at the
earliest. It cannot merely be cited as an example without being rightly
implemented”, says TMN Deepak, Founder, December 3 Movement.
. “This facility that has not yet been introduced cannot rejoice in the media
light as an unaccomplished initiative of the state government”.
Undoubtedly, this new move by the MTC is welcome. But this has to be backed
by implementation and proper maintenance. Above all, authorities must be
receptive to making changes or adding to the existing facilities going ahead
depending on the feedback.
ALSO READ: Demand grows for free Metro travel for people with disabilities in
Delhi
Source: https://newzhook.com/story/22554
