In India, millions of people rely on public transport every day to commute to work, attend school, meet appointments, and more. Transportation mediums such as buses, trains, and auto-rickshaws offer affordable, reliable solutions for those who don’t own private vehicles.
However, many overlook the fact that public transportation should be inclusive for everyone, not just a selected group of people. Accessibility isn’t only about making life easier for people with disabilities—it’s about creating a system that accommodates individuals with reduced mobility including the elderly, pregnant women, and even parents with young children.
The need for accessible public transportation is urgent. While laws exist to mandate accessible services in each sector, many transit systems are still not adequately designed to meet the needs of people with reduced mobility. Let’s take a closer look at why accessibility in public transportation matters for everyone.
Why is Public Transportation Accessibility Important?
According to a 2019 report by the U.S. Department of Transportation, 25.5 million people reported travel-limiting disabilities, with 3.6 million of them being unable to leave their homes due to mobility challenges. Although this data reflects a global issue, the same limitations are evident in India, where physical, cognitive, and financial barriers restrict access to essential services.
Accessible public transportation is a fundamental right that affects several aspects of an individual’s life, including:
Mobility
For many people with reduced mobility, public transportation is often the only available option for travel. Whether it’s running errands, visiting family, or accessing healthcare, transportation allows individuals to stay connected and involved in their communities.
When public transportation is not accessible, it isolates a significant portion of society from accessing these essential services.. Improved accessible facilities ensure that everyone, regardless of physical ability, can participate equally.
Employment
Accessible public transportation is critical to expanding job opportunities for people with reduced mobility. Many individuals who are capable and willing to work remain unemployed due to transportation challenges. Inaccessible transportation cuts off opportunities to explore employment, further education, and professional growth.
By providing an inclusive transportation system, people with reduced mobility including people with disability have better employment opportunities and achieve financial independence. In turn, this boosts both the economy and the overall well-being of individuals.
Independence
Accessible public transportation also fosters independence. For people who cannot afford having a vehicle, access to public transit systems allows them to be self-reliant, reducing the need to depend on friends or family for their commute.
Inclusive public transportation can break down these barriers, giving individuals the freedom to interact fully with their surroundings.
Advocating for Accessibility
Creating an accessible transportation system requires ongoing advocacy and effort. While we can’t resolve these challenges overnight, we can raise awareness, support inclusive practices, and push for improvements at the local and national levels. Highlighting the need for accessible infrastructure, spreading awareness, and supporting local initiatives, we can create a society that prioritises inclusivity and equity.
Para-transit and Specialized Services
To bridge the gap where public transportation falls short, many people with reduced mobility rely on paratransit services. Paratransit services are specialised vehicles equipped with ramps, lifts, and other equipment to ensure that everyone can access transportation.
In India, efforts have been made to improve accessibility in metro stations. This could be observed with installations of elevators, tactile pathways, supported railings, etc. To improve accessibility and last-mile connectivity the introduction of low-floor buses in some cities is also one of the prime examples of promoting accessibility. However, more work is needed to ensure accessibility in transit systems.
The Role of Organizations like Svayam in Promoting Accessibility
Svayam, a leading accessibility organisation, has been instrumental in driving change towards making public spaces, including transportation, more inclusive. By raising awareness, conducting audits of public facilities, and collaborating with both government and private agencies, Svayam aims to make cities accessible for all including people with disabilities, the elderly, pregnant women, people with temporary and permanent injuries, etc. .
The organization has been a leading advocate for promoting accessibility through various impactful initiatives. One such effort includes the donation of accessible vehicles to various government and non-government institutions across India, enabling people with reduced mobility to commute with dignity and ease.
Raising Awareness and Advocacy
Svayam has been pivotal in sensitising policymakers and the public about the challenges faced by people with reduced mobility. They advocate for better accessibility through sensitization training and workshops, campaigns, and initiatives, bringing attention to how inaccessible transportation systems affect millions of lives.
Their advocacy extends beyond transportation, touching the need for accessible public infrastructure, such as footpaths, public toilets, and educational institutions. By involving local communities and stakeholders in these discussions, Svayam helps push accessibility higher up on the global agenda.
Collaboration with Government and Public Transit Systems
Svayam works closely with government authorities to ensure that accessibility laws, such as the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (RPWD) Act, 2016, are enforced. They often partner with transit systems to conduct accessibility audits of facilities such as airports, metro stations, bus stops, and railways.
For example, Svayam submitted a “Draft Guidelines for Passenger Amenities for Seniors and Persons with Disabilities in Indian Railways” to Indian Railways in 2017 which led to improvements in the accessibility of major railway stations, with the introduction of ramps, accessible restrooms, and tactile pathways. Such partnerships play a critical role in ensuring that public transportation services evolve to meet the needs of all individuals, including those with disabilities.
Creating Accessible Tourism and Public Spaces
Svayam has also been a key player in promoting accessible tourism in India by ensuring accessibility at heritage sites such as Qutub Minar, Fatehpur Sikri, Taj Mahal, etc through its accessibility audits and intervention. Accessible public transportation opens the door for people with reduced mobility to experience cultural, historical, and natural landmarks across the country. By working with various stakeholders, Svayam helps in creating an inclusive environment in tourist destinations, ensuring accessible transportation options are available.
Empowering a More Inclusive Future
While the government is responsible for implementing policies and infrastructure, Svayam ensures that the progress continues.
By promoting inclusivity and advocating for the rights of all individuals, Svayam and other likely organizations are helping create a society where public transportation, infrastructure, other facilities and amenities are designed for everyone.
Together, through the efforts of such organisations, advocacy, and government collaboration, India can move towards an inclusive future where public transportation serves as a bridge to freedom, opportunity, and equality for all.
Inclusivity for All: Accessibility is Everyone’s Right
Accessible transportation should not be seen as an accommodation for a selected group but as a necessity for all. By creating a more inclusive system, we not only support people with disabilities but also create a better environment for people of all ages and physical abilities.
In India, we must continue to push for an inclusive and accessible transportation system that recognizes the dignity and rights of every individual, regardless of their mobility needs. Let’s work together to create a world where everyone can travel with ease.
Public transportation accessibility isn’t solely the responsibility of governments and transport authorities. Non-governmental organisations/Non- Profit Organizations (NGOs/NPOs) play a vital role in advocating for inclusive, accessible transportation systems.