Panaji's Smart City Electric Buses Face Wheelchair Ramp Malfunction Issues
Accessibility concerns have emerged in Panaji's smart city electric bus fleet following reports of wheelchair ramp malfunctions that left passengers stranded. The fold-out ramp mechanism, designed to assist wheelchair users and senior citizens, requires specific manual operation involving a lock system.
Ramp Malfunction Incidents
In several buses, the ramp was found to be jammed, with staff attributing the problem to extended periods of non-usage. However, the Kadamba Transport Corporation (KTC) has provided a different explanation for these incidents.
A KTC official stated: "The ramp is working properly. In the reported cases, the drivers were unable to open it correctly. That appears to be the core problem."
The official elaborated on the mechanism: "There is a lock fitted that must be pressed and pulled in a particular way. When we inspected the vehicle afterward, the mechanism was functioning as intended."
Training Concerns Identified
Preliminary investigations suggest that the driver involved may not have received adequate training to operate the ramp mechanism effectively.
"We are examining all possibilities, including whether the driver was properly instructed on handling this mechanism," the official explained. "When observed, he was unable to open it correctly, which indicates a potential training issue."
Passenger Concerns and Official Response
Passengers have expressed significant concerns about the reliability and user-friendliness of these accessibility systems. Despite these concerns, KTC maintains that the current ramp design represents the only feasible option given existing constraints.
The official clarified: "There is no provision for a permanent ramp structure in these buses due to manufacturing limitations and safety standards that must be maintained."
This situation highlights the ongoing challenges in implementing accessible public transportation infrastructure, even within smart city initiatives. The electric bus fleet, part of Panaji's urban modernization efforts, now faces scrutiny regarding its accessibility features and staff training protocols.
