Namma Yatri, the Bengaluru-based community-driven auto-hailing app, has launched the "Purple Rides" initiative in partnership with EnAble India, an NGO dedicated to empowering Persons with Disabilities (PwD). The initiative aims to make mobility disability-friendly by enabling drivers to understand and customize their assistance for users with visual, hearing, or physical impairments. With over 3,500 customers and 1,300+ drivers completing 6,000+ Purple Rides, the initiative for inclusive mobility is gaining momentum.
In a nation with an estimated 4-5% of the population, roughly 6 crore PwDs, accessible mobility isn't a convenience; it's crucial for education, employment, and social engagement. Today, most ride-hailing apps overlook disability-friendliness. What began as a feedback session for improving accessibility within the Namma Yatri app evolved into a deep collaboration with EnAble India. Both teams worked closely together to solve the problem from the ground up.
Remarkably, the PwD colleagues at EnAble India played a significant role in shaping these innovative features. The features include allowing users to disclose disabilities on their profiles and personalizing assistance from drivers. The app adapts based on disclosed disabilities, such as disabling phone calls from drivers for hearing-impaired users. It also features an interface for visual impairments and is compatible with talkback features.
Ms. Mallika, a 32-year-old with a visual impairment, said, "Namma Yatri empowers me. The option to indicate my disability and thoughtful app customizations make every ride a breeze." She has completed 40+ rides with Namma Yatri. Ms. Shanti Raghavan, Founder and chief Enabler of EnAble India, added, “We are happy to partner with Namma Yatri in this transformative endeavor. We are taking a giant step towards a future where mobility barriers can be overcome. Our journey also encompasses educating drivers and providing sensitivity training tailored to the unique requirements of PwD.”
Auto driver Mr. Murthy said, "Being able to assist individuals with disabilities brings me immense joy and satisfaction. Our small efforts can make a big difference in someone's life." Mr. Magizhan Selvan, Chief Product Officer at Juspay, commented, "Namma Yatri's primary goal is to improve empathy and customer-centricity of our drivers, and 'Purple Rides' aligns perfectly with our vision. We are grateful to EnAble India for making this initiative a reality. This partnership begins a deeper collaboration to drive further innovation and scale."
As we begin this transformation towards inclusive mobility, Namma Yatri and EnAble India encourage the public to promote inclusivity by inviting Persons with Disabilities (PwD) within their networks to use Namma Yatri, ensuring accessible transportation for all. We also call upon other ride-hailing apps to join this cause and establish an industry-wide accessibility standard. Together, we can foster a more inclusive and accessible world for everyone.