For 15 years, the Bangalore Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC) has provided concessional bus passes to the differently abled, benefiting around 1,800 individuals annually. While the initiative offers significant relief, challenges in implementation persist, especially regarding accessibility and process efficiency.
Physically challenged individuals with a minimum of 40% disability can obtain a one-year concessional pass for Rs 660, while free three-year passes are available for those with 100% visual impairment. Applications are submitted through the Seva Sindhu portal, with 12 designated renewal centers across Bengaluru.
However, users like Rizwan, a visually impaired individual, highlight technical difficulties with the Seva Sindhu portal. “The portal frequently crashes and doesn’t support assistive technologies like JAWS, forcing us to depend on others,” he said. Despite spending 20 days navigating the process, he faced further delays at the Majestic bus station.
Advocates, including Devikala from the Association for People with Disabilities, criticize the excessive documentation required. “A simple UDID card should suffice,” she suggested. SSP Iyer from Malleswaram pointed to inconsistent communication within BMTC, where staff often disregard extended pass validity, forcing users to pay for travel or disembark.
BMTC Chief Traffic Manager Prabhakara Reddy confirmed that passes for 2024 will remain valid until February 28, 2025, giving users more time for renewals. The agency plans to issue new passes for 2025 in line with government directives, emphasizing streamlined processes and better support.
Calls for improvements include audio announcements at bus stops, sensitivity training for staff, and more user-friendly application systems.
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