Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin flags off several new MTC 'ultra low-floor' buses
These disabled-friendly vehicles have ramp access, and a facility to keep wheelchairs.
Tamil Nadu Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin travels in a city bus, in Chennai. (PTI)
CHENNAI: Youth Welfare and Sports Development Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin flagged off 88 new buses on Sunday, including the 58 ultra low-floor buses and 30 high-floor buses, and 12 refurbished buses for the Metropolitan Transport Corporation.
An official release said that 58 low-floor buses were part of the 611 buses allotted to the MTC, which were designed in such a way that it would provide easy access for persons with disabilities (PwDs), senior citizens, women and children.
“With a ground clearance of only 400 mm, these buses would be easily accessible to everyone. The bus comes with a kneeling facility allowing it to lower itself by about 60 mm when it stops to help passengers board and deboard with ease,” the release said.
A ramp has been provided in each bus for wheelchair users to board and de-board at the rear side entrance. The ramp would be extended from the bus floor and placed on the road or pavement. There is a separate space in the bus for disabled passengers to keep their wheelchairs.
MTC managing director Alby John Varghese has instructed the conductors to lock the wheelchair in the designated area with the handle. “If it’s not locked, the wheelchair is likely to move back and forth when the driver starts the bus or applies a sudden brake. Conductors should carefully lock the wheelchair with the handle installed in the bus for the sake of passenger safety,” he said, in a circular.
The low-floor buses have been designed in such a way that the bus would be operable only on closing of all doors. It comes with an LED display system for announcing stops and destinations, and also has an advanced fire alarm system to warn of any excess heat from the engine that may cause a fire accident.
The low-floor buses, which are user-friendly for the disabled community and senior citizens, are being reintroduced after six years in the city. A total of 75 passengers, including 35 seated, can travel in them at a time.
Minister Udhayanidhi flagged off the new buses and refurbished ones in the presence of Transport Minister SS Sivasankar, HR&CE Minister PK Sekarbabu, Mayor R Priya, Chennai Central MP Dayanidhi Maran, Transport Department additional chief secretary Phanindra Reddy and MD Alby John Varghese at a function here.
