Ice House bus stop to get enhanced access

On Kamarajar Salai, the Ice House bus stop is almost contiguous with Vivekananda Illam. Mention of the bus stop will call the memorial to mind. The Museum of Possibilities which showcases systems and products that promote accessibility for the differently abled is not an immediate neighbour to the Ice House bus stop, but a neighbour a little removed. But this bus stop would soon refresh one’s memory about the museum.

The bus stop is in the process of being made accessible to the differently abled, right from their movement to the benches at the bus stop via a ramp, designed on each side.

The height of the flooring at the bus shelter was reportedly measured and built just right for it to be on par with the height of the flooring on low-floor buses. The kerb seems to have a slight curvature aimed at ensuring the side of the bus with entrances eases neatly into place. The benefits of this design can be enjoyed not just the wheelchair-bound differently abled but anyone with mobility challenges.

In its inclusive design manual, GCC makes the following observations about bus boarding platforms

The manual points out that the “step height from the kerb to the (kneeling) bus platform should not exceed 150 mm to accommodate passengers with limited mobility.”

It goes on to add: “raise the entire footpath platform to 300mm to be able to board low floor buses without difficulty.”

The Bus Route Roads Department of Greater Chennai Corporation is driving this initiative. A GCC official familiar with the work notes that the accessibility feature would be extended to various bus stops across Chennai.