Non-functional lifts keep MTC buses out of reach of differently-abled

MTC sources said that the Corporation prepared a blueprint for disabled-friendly buses after Madras High Court order in June 2005 to ensure a barrier-free travel for differently-abled passengers. 

In the beginning, around 10% of the MTC buses were fitted with electric lifts near the front entrance. These lifts were operated by the drivers. However, they started malfunctioning after officials did not take up proper maintenance works. 

An official from the MTC (Planning and Development) said “We fitted such devices in many buses but there was no proper response among the commuters leading us to remove the lifts from some buses.”  Smitha Sathasivan, member, Disability Rights Alliance, said “There is a speculation that differently-abled people do not travel in buses, which is wrong. All the MTC buses should have either electric lifts or ramp. 

Though the MTC took efforts by installing lifts in minimum number of buses, the officials later abandoned the system.” Though carrying differently-abled passengers in the buses would take little time, public would gradually understand, she added. 

Raj Cherubal, director, Chennai City Connect, said “First, Chennai needs more fleets and these buses should be disabled-friendly. Moreover, we are living in a technological world and in such a condition, the officials should not have a second thought and should be able to fit electrical devices that carry such commuters,”.

When contacted, a senior official, MTC, said there was a practical difficulty in the beginning. “At a time, when commuters are hurriedly making travels to reach their destinations, using electric lifts take time. So, we did not consider it seriously. However, we are in the process of designing a new blueprint,” the official said.