Chennai’s low-floor buses, once lauded for their accessible design, are now facing widespread criticism as defunct ramps continue to prevent wheelchair-bound passengers from boarding. Complaints from the disabled community have escalated as bus drivers refuse to unfold the ramps, claiming they are stuck. An estimated 35% of the city’s low-floor buses have faulty ramps, which affects hundreds of disabled commuters daily. Poor maintenance, including the buildup of mud and dust, has been blamed for the frequent breakdowns of these simple manual devices. According to the Metropolitan Transport Corporation (MTC), over the last five years, the frequency of such issues has risen by nearly 25%, with the corporation now issuing memos to drivers and conductors to address the problem.
Despite promises of inclusivity, data from the past decade paints a grim picture for accessible public transport in Chennai. In 2013, there were approximately 1,500 low-floor buses in operation across Tamil Nadu, but today that number has dwindled to just over 1,200. Moreover, of the 1,200 buses, only 600 are equipped with functioning ramps. This decline in accessibility highlights a glaring gap in Chennai’s commitment to an inclusive public transport system. The MTC’s failure to maintain ramp functionality directly impacts over 25,000 wheelchair-bound commuters who rely on public transport. While the corporation has committed to setting up 10 more low-floor buses, the scope and impact remain insufficient, as large residential areas like Perumbakkam, with over 400 disabled residents, still lack service.
From a sustainability perspective, these accessibility failures contribute to broader issues in public infrastructure. With the government pushing for greener, more sustainable urban development, the absence of adequate transport for disabled individuals undermines the city’s sustainability goals. Studies show that a lack of accessible public transport forces more people to rely on personal vehicles, increasing the city’s carbon footprint. Additionally, the ongoing breakdowns and manual assistance required for wheelchair-bound passengers only add to delays and inefficiency within the transport network.
Beyond technical challenges, there is a significant human cost. Passengers with disabilities are left in a constant state of dependency, often needing to rely on the goodwill of others to board buses. Many commuters, like those in Alandur and Saidapet, have shared stories of being physically carried onto buses by fellow passengers or being left stranded when drivers refuse to stop. This has prompted calls for immediate action, with disability rights activists advocating for stricter enforcement of accessibility laws and better training for bus crews. In addition, aligning bus platforms with bus floor heights and increasing routes in underserved areas would provide long-term solutions to the ongoing problem.
The ongoing failure to maintain accessibility features in Chennai’s public transport system is not just a civic issue but a sustainability one. As cities around the world strive for inclusive and green infrastructure, Chennai’s inability to provide reliable transport for disabled individuals increases dependency on personal vehicles, contributing to higher emissions and reduced public confidence in the transport network’s sustainability.
