In an attempt to make public transport inclusive and increase convenience of visually impaired passengers, the Bengaluru Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC) is all set to launch ‘On Board’. This is an assistive technology aimed at supporting visually impaired passengers while travelling, which is being implemented with CSR support.
On Board enables visually impaired individuals to travel independently and with confidence. With this technology, users can locate bus route numbers and door positions using audio cues from a bus-mounted speaker, thus making boarding smooth and accessible and also promoting freedom of movement and inclusivity.
BMTC’s ‘On Board’ project is a commendable step towards inclusive mobility, aiming to enhance confidence and independence amongst visually impaired citizens through innovative, tech-enabled solutions.
How does ‘On Board’ work?
Developed collaboratively by the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) in New Delhi, and a few companies, the ‘On Board’ system consists of two key components: an external device fitted on the bus and a remote device provided to the user. Over 500 visually impaired individuals have already been trained on how to use the device.
When a bus approaches the station where a visually impaired person is waiting, they can press the “Find” button on their remote device. The device will then announce the bus’s route number. If it’s the correct bus for their destination, they can press the “Select” button. This action sends a message to a communication device on the bus, alerting the driver and conductor that “a visually challenged passenger is about to board, please halt for longer.” The same process is followed when a visually impaired person needs to alight from the bus.
Official launch on July 12
The initiative is supported by the Bengaluru Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC) and will be launched in the presence of Ramalinga Reddy, Hon’ble Minister for Transport, Government of Karnataka on Saturday, July 12.
BMTC has been piloting the assistive technology since June, a month before officially launching it. The device has been experimentally installed on 25 BMTC buses operating on the Yelahanka-Kengeri and Yeshwanthpur-Kengeri routes.
It is extremely challenging for visually impaired individuals to navigate bus routes in Bengaluru. They often have to seek help from co-passengers while searching for the right bus, understanding its route, and locating designated stops, leading to reduced self-reliance, inconvenience and stress. BMTC aims to bridge this gap with this landmark initiative.
Initiative funded through CSR
The assistive technology ‘On Board’ has been funded through CSR initiative. It is backed by Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative of Continental Automotive Components Pvt Ltd, which collaborated with Bangalore Metropolitan Transport Corporation for installing the assistive devices on the buses.
The device is mounted on the lower glass panel at the front of the bus, while the user is provided with a personal remote device, ensuring seamless interaction between the commuter and the bus system.
