Sat Dec 07 15:35:42 UTC 2024: ## Chennai’s Accessible Buses: A Step Towards Inclusive Public Transport

**Chennai, December 7, 2024** – Four months after the launch of accessible low-floor buses in Chennai, a wheelchair user has praised the initiative, highlighting its positive impact on the lives of people with disabilities and senior citizens. Sathish Kumar, a banking professional and member of the Disability Rights Alliance, documented his experiences using 55 of these buses for work and social engagements.

Kumar’s journey underscores the culmination of a two-decade-long struggle by disability rights activists. He described the ease of using the buses compared to the previous challenges of being manually lifted into vehicles. While acknowledging the need for minor assistance entering and exiting, he emphasized the improvement over previous methods.

While initially facing some challenges, including infrequent service and drivers initially hesitant to accommodate wheelchair users, Kumar noted improvements after complaints were addressed. The Chennai Metropolitan Transport Corporation (MTC) has increased its fleet to over 400 low-floor buses, though information isn’t consistently available on their app. Kumar advocates for better information dissemination, including blue colour-coding and “LF” markings on the buses.

Kumar also suggested improvements to enhance accessibility further, such as adding vertical handle bars to rear seats to prevent falls during braking. He also called for level boarding at bus stops and the removal of unauthorized parking to fully realize the potential of accessible public transport.

His four months of using the accessible buses resulted in significant cost savings, estimating around ₹20,000. His experience showcases a significant step forward for inclusive public transport in Chennai, but also highlights the need for ongoing improvements and support from the government to ensure truly universal accessibility.

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