Passenger buses to be now disable friendly

The transport department has issued an order to make public buses accessible for the persons with disabilities. The order comes after Disability Rights Association of Goa made the transport department aware of a new amendment in motor vehicle act by Central government where it issued directions to make passenger vehicles disabled friendly. The Centre government's order said the new rules should come into force by 1st March.

Centre government ordered the new amendment in its extraordinary gazette issued on 27 December. The Union Transport Department amended the act after inviting suggestions and objections from the public. Later, President of Disability Rights Association of Goa Avelino de Sa bought the new amendments to notice of State's Transport Department.

*The rules are the Central Motor Vehicles (15^th amendment) rules 2019

*Rules shall come into force from March 1

*Rules say there should be priority for seats for disabled persons

*Crutches, cane, walker, hand rail controls at priority seats

*Entry, housing and locking arrangement for wheel chair

*Fitment, condition and functioning of the equipment must be checked

*Dy director of transport Pralhad Desai issues directions to all assistant directors

*Compliance report to be submitted within 14 days