Mumbai: The Mumbai Metro Rail Corporation Ltd (MMRCL) has announced a 25 per cent fare concession for passengers with disabilities travelling on its new underground corridor, but there’s a major caveat: the benefit is currently available only to those using iPhones.

According to the corporation, the discounted “trip passes” for differently-abled travellers have been activated via the mobile app MetroConnect‑3 — but only on iOS. Android users have to wait, the reason being that the necessary update is yet to be approved by the Google Play Store. “Once the update is approved, Android users will also be able to avail this facility,” MMRCL’s public relations office said.

While the intention is laudable — to make travel more affordable for people with disabilities — the rollout has drawn sharp criticism. One disability-rights advocate, Deepak Kaitake, described the move as “unreasonable”. He pointed out that, unlike other transport services in Maharashtra, where people with disabilities receive up to 50 per cent fare concessions, the metro’s scheme comes with a digital barrier. He added that basic access issues at metro stations—such as missing wheelchair ramps, lack of Braille signage and priority entrances—already make independent travel challenging. On top of that, requiring an iPhone to claim the discount seems thoughtless.

MMRCL said that the concession becomes effective for the newly-opened line (often referred to as the “Aqua Line” or Metro Line 3) from 23 November 2025.

The operator also noted that the ticketing system integration is in its final phase and the app update for Android is imminent.

But critics argue that the announcement should not have gone out until all users could access it. As Kaitake tweeted, “Ten days were promised… after 20 days, still no disabled passenger can avail the discount.” 

There is also a broader demand from disability-rights groups to go further: they are calling for full free travel on the metro for persons with disabilities. The groups argue that since other transit systems, such as the Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC), local trains, and the Brihanmumbai Electric Supply & Transport (BEST) buses already offer significantly higher concessions, the metro should align accordingly. One formal appeal was made by Union Minister Ramdas Athawale, who wrote to the state chief minister requesting free metro travel for people with disabilities.

To sum it up, while the 25 per cent discount is a positive step, the digital-only activation and iPhone-exclusive availability have delayed its benefit for many disabled commuters — raising questions about inclusive rollout, timing, and execution.