4th, December 2024, Bangalore: Namma Yatri, India’s leading open mobility app, in partnership with EnAble India, has announced the nationwide launch of its “Purple Rides” service, extending accessible auto and cab services to Bengaluru, Chennai, Kolkata, Hyderabad, Kochi, and other cities across India. Following a successful rollout in Bangalore, this initiative aims to revolutionise mobility for persons with disabilities (PwDs) by combining accessibility with empowerment.

Purple Rides, a collaborative effort by Namma Yatri and EnAble India, integrates driver training programs, app customisations, and driver assistance systems to meet users’ unique needs with visual, hearing, and physical impairments. Features such as ride profile customisations ensure every journey is comfortable and empowering for PwDs.

In Bangalore, the Purple Rides auto service has completed over 2.36 lakh trips, generating ₹3.44 crore in earnings for drivers and serving a user base of 1.53 lakh individuals. With 2.32 lakh drivers trained to provide accessible services, Purple Rides has set a benchmark for inclusive transportation, which is now being expanded to cab services in new cities.

By offering both auto and cab services, Purple Rides addresses mobility challenges faced by PwDs in urban and semi-urban areas. This strategic expansion brings the vision of inclusive transportation to a national level, empowering PwDs with safe, reliable, and accessible travel options.

“This launch is a milestone in our journey to make mobility accessible to all,” said Shanti Raghavan, Founder & Chief Enabler at EnAble India. “Together with Namma Yatri, we are building a future where transportation is inclusive, affordable, and empowering.”

Purple Ride’s impact is already evident in Bangalore, where its auto service has highlighted the demand for accessible transport while generating significant earnings for drivers. The nationwide expansion promises to amplify this success, bringing meaningful change to the lives of PwDs across India.

“Namma Yatri empowers me with thoughtful app customisations and caring drivers,” said Anisha, a visually impaired Purple Rides user in Bangalore. “Every ride feels like a step toward true independence.”

“Being able to assist individuals with disabilities brings immense satisfaction,” shared Basavaraj, a driver associated with Purple Rides. “It’s about making a difference in someone’s life.”

This expansion underscores the transformative potential of community-driven initiatives like Purple Rides. By integrating technology, training, and empathy, Namma Yatri and EnAble India are not just providing rides, they are redefining the landscape of inclusive mobility across India.