Where are those buses for the disabled?

Having read in the news a few weeks ago about buses specially equipped for disabled commuters being imported, I’ve been  waiting. But I haven’t seen one so far. Have they been put to service? If so, where are they? On which routes do they run? Most countries in the world now have such specially equipped buses catering to the needs of the disabled. Sri Lanka has been lagging behind in this respect. I am not disabled, but I have seen how disabled passengers are treated rudely by bus conductors and drivers, especially in private buses. In fact, everyone is treated rudely. The other day, I was travelling in a half empty Route 177 private bus when the conductor started yelling, ‘everyone,  get ready to get down before the bus reaches your halt!’ They are in such a big hurry; but this puts disabled passengers at a great disadvantage. People undergo countless humiliations daily in bus travel. But, if the bus is equipped to fascilitate the movements of a disabled person, that should be some compensation. But I haven’t seen any of those buses yet.

Besides, a few such special buses plying city routes is not going to solve the problem. The apparatus required for this could be locally manufactured. I’m sure there are companies willing and able to do this if given a chance. That way, many routes all over Sri Lanka can be served by such buses, making a big saving in foreign exchange. 

Daily bus commuter