BENGALURU, 12 JULY

The Bangalore Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC) has begun implementing a new assistive device called OnBoard across its fleet to ensure greater independence and safety for visually impaired commuters.

The will help visually impaired and low-vision passengers travel independently, reduce reliance on others, and instil greater self-confidence in daily commutes.

Developed in collaboration with Continental Automotive Components India Pvt. Ltd., the Indian Institute of Technology-Delhi, Raised Lines Foundation and Enable India, the system uses a two-part communication mechanism -- a handheld remote for the user and a unit installed in the bus.

When a bus nears a stop, the user presses the 'Find' button, triggering an audio announcement of the route number through a speaker on the bus.

If it matches the intended route, pressing 'Select' alerts the driver and conductor, who then assist the commuter in boarding and alighting.

The device alerts users when the selected bus is within a 30-metre range.

BMTC approved installation of OnBoard devices in 500 buses, with the deployment to be completed by August.

Priority was given to routes 401-K and 401-R, frequented by visually impaired commuters.