Free interstate travel to persons with disabilities on KTC buses

Panaji: The Kadamba Transport Corporation (KTC) has extended its free travel scheme for persons with disabilities (PwDs) to interstate bus services, broadening a concession that was previously available only on routes operating within Goa.

The new facility came into effect on June 1.“The move is expected to benefit persons travelling outside Goa for a variety of reasons, including medical treatment, education and personal travel,” KTC chairman Ulhas Tuenkar told TOI.Under the scheme, persons with disabilities possessing a valid govt-issued disability card can travel free of charge on KTC buses operating to destinations outside Goa. The corporation will also honour disability cards issued in other states, to non-locals, as they are recognised under the central framework governing disability certification.“Any valid disability card issued by the competent authority has to be respected. If a person from another state is travelling on our services and holds the required card, the concession will be provided,” Tuenkar said.Two seats on every interstate KTC bus have therefore been earmarked under the scheme. These seats are available free of charge for eligible passengers with disabilities. KTC clarified that while the seats are designated for PwD passengers, availability would depend on booking status and occupancy.

“If the seats are available, they can travel. If the seats are already occupied, they may have to wait for the next service,” Tuenkar said.The expanded concession adds to KTC’s existing social welfare measures wherein PwDs get free travel on state routes, students and senior citizens receive a 50% fare concession, while cancer patients are also eligible for free travel under existing provisions.“The extension of free interstate travel for persons with disabilities is expected to improve accessibility and mobility for hundreds of beneficiaries who rely on public transport to access healthcare, education and employment opportunities outside Goa,” Tuenkar added.