BCD helps members to adjust to electric buses

Although welcoming the fact that the Transport Board’s new electric buses can accommodate wheelchair users, the Barbados Council for the Disabled (BCD) has expressed concern that blind and visually-impaired commuters are at a disadvantage when trying to use the vehicles.

The BCD’s Operations Manager Roseanna Tudor said they are finding it hard to realise when the buses are approaching because they are much quieter than diesel buses.

“The buses are so silent. Inside of the bus there is a feature for the beeping sound when a person wants to get off, but the quietness of the bus is a challenge,” she said.

In order to address this issue, the BCD is exploring several options, including introducing awareness programmes to equip its blind and visually impaired members with the skills to adapt to the new buses, particularly since it is expected there will be an increase in electric vehicles on the roads.

“. . . . They are looking at this and seeing what solutions we can come up with that we could address [the problem]. But other than that, I think wheelchair users are happy at the moment,” Tudor said.

Tudor commended the Government, particularly former Minister of Transport Dr William Duguid, for including the Council in discussions prior to purchasing the 33 buses.

She said that, at that time, the BCD had made suggestions regarding features the buses should have to accommodate members of the disabled community.

Tudor said authorities have to also look at making sure bus stops across the island can accommodate the buses’ kneeling feature.

“With the buses kneeling and lowering and the ramps coming out at the side, that would entail more space between the bus and the curb. So, right now, going into the cut curbs at the bus stands is good, but stopping at a regular bus stop would be a challenge. So, we are advocating for authorities to make some of the bus stops in critical areas able to accommodate these buses, once the roads have the infrastructure,” she said.

“Our roads are very narrow so there is not much you can do with some of them, but at least on many of the main roads you can have cut curbs so that a wheelchair can go into the bus comfortably.” (AH)