Wheelchair user not allowed to board bus in Chetpet

Alex (76) was denied from boarding 29c bus at Chetpet bus stand by both the bus conductor and driver on Thursday morning. He was allegedly told by the conductor and driver that he and his wheelchair would take up space meant for 4 passengers.

Alex said that 29c is the bus he takes every day, and the driver and conductor had always been nasty towards him.

“I was at Chetpet bus stand at 9am. As the bus reached there, it was relatively free. So, I tried to board the bus. At the exact moment, both conductor and driver told me to start commuting via buses after 11 am since officer-goers and school kids travel during peak hours,” explains Alex.

Alex has been a wheelchair user for the past 7 years, living on his only source of income — elderly pension. So, he cannot afford to take either a cab or an auto.

“Bus is the only affordable mode of transportation for me, but I refrain from boarding a bus when it’s crowded as it’s a hindrance for both fellow passengers and me. However, on Thursday, there were only a few passengers on the bus. When I tried to board, the conductor and driver refused to let me in, and said that I take up space that’d easily fit 4 passengers,” he adds.

As Alex had an appointment at 10 am in Adyar, he was forced to take an auto for Rs 100. “Is my time not important like others? I too have important persons to meet, and I am obliged to reach the location on time,” laments Alex who was embarrassed and traumatised by the ordeal.

Officials did not respond to this incident despite multiple attempts.