People with disabilities struggle to access BMTC’s travel concession

Bengaluru: For the past 15 years, the Bangalore Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC) has been issuing concessional bus passes to physically challenged people, benefiting approximately 1,800 people annually in Bengaluru.

Despite its merits, the scheme continues to grapple with challenges, including gaps in implementation and accessibility.

Prabhakara Reddy GT, Chief Traffic Manager (Operations), told DH that concessional bus passes for physically challenged people require a minimum of 40% disability and cost Rs 660 for a one-year validity. For those with vision impairment, passes are free of cost, but require 100% visual impairment and are valid for three years. Applications must be submitted online via the Seva Sindhu portal, with renewals available at 12 centres across Bengaluru.

Seva Sindhu portal

However, users like Rizwan, who rely on the concessional bus pass for the visually impaired, point to major issues with the portal.

“While we strive to become independent, government portals like Seva Sindhu do not allow us to do so,” he said. Rizwan added that the portal often crashes or fails to function with assistive software like JAWS, forcing users to depend on others for help. Despite struggling for 20 days to complete the application process with assistance, he still faced long waits at the Majestic bus station.

Devikala, from the Association for People with Disabilities, criticised the cumbersome process of obtaining passes due to excessive documentation. “We should be able to access services just by showing our UDID (Universal Disability ID) card,” she said.

Addressing concerns about renewals, Reddy explained that while passes are officially valid for 12 months and expire on December 31, their validity is extended until February 28 to provide users extra time for renewal.

Despite the BMTC's notification of this policy, SSP Iyer from Malleswaram noted a lack of internal communication within the BMTC. “Even though the extension is mentioned on the website and depot boards, disabled people are often asked to pay for travel or forced to disembark immediately after their pass expires,” he said.

Beyond the issues with passes, stakeholders emphasised the need for audio announcements at bus stops, better communication, simplified processes, and sensitivity training for BMTC staff. They urged the BMTC staff to act with greater compassion and understanding.

Concessional passes for differently abled

The BMTC will begin issuing concessional passes for differently abled individuals for 2025, following government directives.

Eligible beneficiaries can apply online via the Seva Sindhu portal.

New passes will be issued at the Kempegowda bus stand, while renewals can be completed at designated BMTC stations.

Passes for 2024 will remain valid until February 28 to ensure convenience. Beneficiaries are advised to renew their passes before this date by submitting the required documents. The fee for new or renewal passes is Rs 660.

Designated bus stations for renewal of passes 

Kempegowda bus station

Shivajinagar bus station

KR Market

Shantinagar TTMC

Jayanagar TTMC

Banashankari TTMC

Kengeri TTMC

Hoskote bus station

Vijayanagara TTMC

Yeshwantpur TTMC

Whitefield TTMC

Yelahanka Old Town

Domlur TTMC