KATHMANDU, Dec 23: People with different abilities have called for systemic reforms to make public transportation more inclusive.
While highlighting the urgent need for infrastructural improvements and attitude changes, they point out that although electric buses represent progress, they are too few in number to address the widespread challenges faced by disabled commuters.
Although Sajha Yatayat has introduced a few disabled-friendly electric buses in Kathmandu Valley, the majority of public vehicles in the valley and elsewhere are unsuitable for people with different abilities. Their daily travel on public transport often becomes a struggle, compounded by unhelpful attitudes from drivers, co-drivers, and fellow passengers.
Most public buses are physically inaccessible, with high steps and narrow aisles making boarding nearly impossible for those with mobility issues. The unwelcoming attitudes of staff and passengers further worsen the experience.
Kiran Shilpakar, former president of the National Association of the Physical Disabled-Nepal (NAPD-Nepal), said public transport largely remains inaccessible to people with different abilities despite numerous policies and laws intended to benefit them. He urged policymakers and other stakeholders to address these issues and introduce reforms to make public transport more inclusive.
Ministry of Physical Infrastructure and Transport Management fo...
Shilpakar argued that the plight of disabled commuters highlights broader systemic issues. Several laws, including the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, guarantee accessible public services, including transportation, and allow disabled individuals to travel with aides. However, the reality remains far from the promises made by the law.
In a recent interaction organized by NAPD-Nepal in the capital, Sujata Limbu, a visually impaired commuter originally from Jhapa, shared the immense challenges she faces every day while traveling from Chabahil to Ratna Park.
Armed with her white cane, Sujata often waits for a long time for a bus, unsure if the approaching vehicle is one she can board. “Even when the bus finally stops, reserved seats for disabled passengers are often occupied,” she said. “The behavior of the bus staff and passengers makes the experience even worse.”
For Thakumaya Magar, a resident of Nakkhu, Lalitpur, with hearing impairment, the experience is no better. “I have arguments with bus staff almost every day because I cannot hear them,” she shared. Despite presenting her disability ID card, she is often denied discounts and seats meant for people like her.
Bharat BC, a student with a spinal cord injury, described his painful experiences boarding buses with his wheelchair along the Kirtipur-Lagankhel route. “Drivers rarely stop, and when they do, the co-drivers are often rude. Even if I manage to board, there’s no guarantee of a seat,” he said.
The struggles are echoed by Anu Rai, who initially relied on taxis due to her spinal cord injury. The high costs forced her to switch to a four-wheeled scooter, which comes with its own set of challenges on Kathmandu’s chaotic roads. “Authorities should consider our unique situations when implementing traffic rules,” she pleaded.
Similarly, Kopila Gurung, who has poor vision, faces constant challenges on her commute from Kirtipur to Bagbazar. “Microbuses rarely stop, and big buses are overcrowded,” she lamented. “Passengers often exploit my poor vision, and reserved seats for disabled individuals are usually occupied.”
Transport entrepreneurs and officials claim progress but admit challenges remain. Gopal Chandra Gurung of Nepal Yatayat highlighted ongoing efforts, such as awareness stickers and penalties for misbehavior. However, he stressed the importance of adhering to designated stops. “Disabled passengers waiting outside designated stops create complications,” he said.
John Tamang from Sajha Yatayat emphasized the benefits of low-rise electric buses introduced by the company. “These buses are more accessible, and co-drivers assist disabled passengers in boarding,” he said. “We’ve also ordered more low-rise buses and are conducting awareness training, but the lack of skilled manpower remains a hurdle.”
Traffic police officials report fewer complaints of misbehavior but recognize the broader issue of inaccessible vehicles. They maintain that they are running awareness programs and taking action against misbehavior when complaints are filed to ensure public transport is inclusive and safe for people with physical disabilities.
Shilpakar argued that understanding and support can go a long way in making public transport a truly public service. “Until accessible vehicles become the norm and attitudes shift, the daily commute for people with disabilities will remain a grueling ordeal,” he added.
