Bengaluru: In a progressive step towards inclusive public transportation, BMTC (Bangalore Metropolitan Transport Corporation) has launched ‘OnBoard’, an assistive communication device designed to help visually impaired passengers identify and board the correct bus independently.

The OnBoard system works via a two-part setup:

  • A handheld remote device carried by the commuter.

  • A communication unit mounted on the lower-left front panel of BMTC buses near the entry door.

When a bus approaches, pressing the ‘Find’ button on the remote triggers a loud audio announcement of the bus’s route number through a speaker installed on the bus. If it matches the passenger’s intended route, pressing the ‘Select’ button sends an alert to the driver and conductor, prompting them to assist the commuter in boarding. A similar process is used for getting off the bus.

From Pilot to Expansion

The initiative started with a pilot program on 25 buses operating on routes 401K and 242B, frequently used by visually impaired individuals. Around 500 users were trained, with 25 active testers providing real-time feedback.

Following its success, BMTC has now scaled the program to 100 additional buses, with plans to reach 500 buses in the near future.

A Collaborative Effort

The project is a collaboration between:

  • Continental Automotive Components India

  • IIT-Delhi

  • Raised Lines Foundation

  • Enable India

Transport Minister Ramalinga Reddy officially launched the full-scale rollout on Saturday, alongside visually impaired beneficiaries.

Nithin T, a visually impaired trainer with OnBoard, shared,

“Earlier, I had to depend on others to identify the right bus. Now, with OnBoard, I can do it myself. It restores our independence.”

This groundbreaking innovation not only simplifies navigation but also empowers users with autonomy, dignity, and safety in daily commutes.