The Bengaluru Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC) has introduced an assistive device called ‘OnBoard’ to help visually impaired commuters navigate city buses more independently. This initiative, developed in collaboration with the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi and the Raised Lines Foundation, aims to reduce the reliance on bystanders at bus stops, thereby decreasing mental stress and boosting self-confidence among users.

The OnBoard system consists of a handheld remote for commuters and a receiver unit installed on BMTC buses. When a visually impaired person presses the “Find” button on their remote as a bus approaches, it announces its route number through a speaker. If this matches their desired route, they can press “Select,” which alerts the driver and conductor to prepare for boarding. This process is designed to ensure safer boarding and disembarkation.

The pilot project began with 25 buses on routes frequently used by visually impaired passengers. Feedback from initial users was positive, indicating increased confidence and reduced anxiety during commutes. As a result of this encouraging response, BMTC plans to install OnBoard devices in 500 buses across Bengaluru by August 2025.

Initial implementation required modifications to existing bus systems for compatibility. The first phase included installations on 125 diesel buses across five specific routes. This initiative has garnered attention from other states looking into similar solutions for enhancing public transport accessibility for persons with disabilities.

Original article (bmtc) (bengaluru)

This article is all about a cool new invention called 'OnBoard' that helps people who can't see very well to use buses more easily. It tells us how this device works, with a special remote and a speaker, so people can find the right bus and get on safely. The story is important because it shows how this invention can make a big difference in people's lives, helping them feel more confident and less stressed when they travel. It's not just about the invention though, it also talks about how this idea might help lots of other people in different places, which is really exciting! So, this article is very useful because it teaches us about a helpful tool and how it can change things for the better. It also shows us that thinking of new ideas and working together can make our world a better place.

"The OnBoard system... alerts the driver and conductor to prepare for boarding."

This sentence uses passive voice to describe the process, hiding the active role of the visually impaired person. It gives the impression that the system takes control, when in reality, the user initiates the action. This passive construction downplays the independence and agency of the commuters.

The text evokes a range of emotions, primarily centered around positivity and a sense of progress. The initiative, with its innovative assistive device, 'OnBoard', aims to empower visually impaired commuters, fostering a sense of independence and self-assurance. This is evident in the description of reduced reliance on bystanders, which implies a shift from dependence to self-reliance, an emotionally significant transformation.

The text also conveys a feeling of relief and reduced anxiety for users, as the system ensures safer boarding and disembarkation. This emotional aspect is crucial, as it highlights the practical benefits of the initiative, making it more relatable and impactful for readers. The positive feedback from initial users further strengthens this emotional appeal, suggesting a successful and emotionally satisfying outcome.

The writer's choice of words and structure contributes to the emotional impact. Phrases like 'reduce mental stress' and 'boost self-confidence' are emotionally charged, emphasizing the personal benefits of the initiative. The description of the system's functionality, with its simple and effective design, also evokes a sense of excitement and anticipation for the potential it holds.

The text's emotional tone is further enhanced by the mention of the pilot project's success and the plans for expansion. This not only creates a sense of achievement but also inspires confidence in the initiative's potential to make a significant impact. The mention of other states considering similar solutions adds a layer of emotional appeal, suggesting a broader movement towards inclusivity and accessibility.

The writer's use of specific details, such as the number of buses and routes involved, adds credibility and a sense of realism to the narrative. This level of detail helps readers envision the initiative's scale and potential impact, making the emotional appeal more tangible and persuasive.

In summary, the text skillfully employs emotional language and a positive tone to convey the significance of the 'OnBoard' initiative. By highlighting the emotional benefits of increased independence and reduced anxiety, the writer effectively persuades readers of the initiative's value and potential for positive change. This emotional strategy, combined with concrete details, creates a compelling narrative that inspires support and engagement.