Questions Arise Over Transgender Passengers’ Rights to Board ‘Blue Bus’ Service for Women
As Ravi Lamichhane became a member of parliament, discussions about the Blue Bus service, which began operating in Chitwan three years ago, have resurfaced. On 19th Ashar in Kathmandu, questions have emerged regarding whether sexual and gender minority (transgender) passengers will be allowed to board the forthcoming Blue Bus service dedicated to women. Sunil Babu Pant, a rights activist for sexual and gender minorities, highlighted this issue. He raised the question: in a bus reserved for women, will trans women who were assigned male at birth but identify as female, and trans men who were assigned female at birth but identify as male, be permitted to travel?
Expressing his view on Facebook, Sunil Babu emphasized the need for the government to establish clear guidelines on this matter. His concerns caught the attention of Bhupendra Aryal, Executive Director of Sajha Yatayat, who assured that the issue is being taken seriously. Prior to commencing the service, clear provisions regarding these circumstances will be included in the operational guidelines. Aryal explained that the decision to launch the Blue Bus service is not solely Sajha Yatayat’s but is part of the Nepal government’s 100-day work plan.
Aryal informed that while the government will provide budget and policy support, Sajha Yatayat is proceeding with arranging operation through its own buses. Currently, the modality for service operation is being prepared. The service will start only after formal budget approval and a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the Nepal government and Sajha Yatayat. “Though there is talk of starting the service from the 1st of Saun, technical procedures are still incomplete,” Aryal stated. “Service commencement will follow once budget is formally secured and operational guidelines are finalized. There is a strong possibility the service will launch within Saun.”
Beyond the matter of transgender passengers, Aryal stated that clear protocols are needed for other situations involving people accompanying women passengers. He explained: “What if a woman is traveling with her husband? What if a woman boards with her five- or seven-year-old son? What if an elderly woman needs assistance and brings her son along? These practical questions have also arisen.” According to Aryal, all such cases will be comprehensively addressed in the operational guidelines. Regarding transgender passengers, legal identification will serve as the basis. “If the individual possesses legally certified identification or relevant documents, those will be used,” he added. “Since this issue has been raised promptly, we aim to include it within the guidelines and seek solutions.”
Aryal further stated that suggestions from sexual and gender minority communities and other stakeholders will be incorporated during guideline formulation. “Now that the question has arisen, it is essential to resolve it. We are moving forward to develop practical and inclusive guidelines by incorporating all complaints and suggestions received thus far,” he commented. According to Sajha Yatayat, the final operational guidelines will be published after signing the necessary MOU with the government, only then preparing to launch the Blue Bus service.
