Accessibility

Accessible Buses and Wheelchair Lifts

Buses are equipped with an accessible wheelchair lift for passengers with limited mobility or who use a mobility aid, such as a wheelchair or mobility scooter.

Important: The Summer Bus is not equipped with a wheelchair lift.

To use the wheelchair lift, your wheelchair or scooter must fit within a space that is:

• 48 inches (1.22 m) long
• 36 inches (91 cm) wide

If you use a scooter and are able to transfer to a fixed seat, we encourage you to do so. Some scooters cannot be safely secured while carrying a seated passenger when the bus is moving.

Using the Wheelchair Lift

The wheelchair lift is for passengers and mobility equipment only. This includes wheelchairs, scooters, and walkers.

To use the lift:

• Mobility equipment must have working brakes.
• Mobility equipment must be able to be secured at one of the two designated wheelchair spaces.

Using a walker:

• Apply the walker’s brakes.
• Hold onto the handles while the lift is moving.

Items that are not mobility equipment, do not have brakes, or cannot be secured cannot be placed on the lift.

Backpacks and Items on Wheelchairs

For safety and balance on the lift:

• Backpacks must be worn or placed on your lap.
• Bags hanging from a wheelchair must be removed and brought onto the bus separately.

This helps ensure the lift operates safely.

Carry-On Items

All passengers, including those using accessibility features, must be able to manage their own carry-on items. This includes backpacks, purses, suitcases, shopping bags, and similar items.

• Drivers cannot help with carry-on items.
• If you need help, please travel with a support person or friend.

Carry-on items must not stick out from a wheelchair, scooter, or other mobility aid, as this can interfere with safe securement.

Place items on your lap or on the floor to reduce impact on other passengers.

Safety note: Any item that is not secured can move suddenly when the bus is in motion and may cause injury.

Bus Stops

If a bus stop is temporarily inaccessible, passengers with disabilities may board or exit at the closest safe location. The driver will consider the passenger’s preference when choosing a safe location. The final decision rests with the driver to ensure safety.

Priority Seating

Priority seating is reserved for passengers with disabilities. Each bus has a designated area at the rear for passengers using wheelchairs or other mobility aids. If you do not have a disability or mobility challenge, please give up these seats when asked by:

• A passenger with a disability, or
• The driver

Service Animals

Passengers with disabilities are welcome to travel with their service animals. Service animals must:

• Be clearly identified (for example, by a vest or harness), or
• Be supported by documentation from a regulated health professional
• Remain under the care and control of their owner at all times

This is in accordance with Ontario Regulation 429/07 under the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (https://aoda.ca/service-animal-laws-for-ontario-workplaces/).

Accepted Health Professionals for Documentation

Documentation may be provided by a member of:

• College of Audiologists and Speech-Language Pathologists
• College of Chiropractors
• College of Nurses
• College of Occupational Therapists
• College of Optometrists
• College of Physicians and Surgeons
• College of Physiotherapists
• College of Psychologists
• College of Registered Psychotherapists and Registered Mental Health Therapists

Support Person

Passengers with a disability may travel with one support person at no cost. A support person is someone who helps with communication, mobility, personal care or medical needs, or access to services and facilities. If you need help from a support person because of a disability, you can order a Support Person Assistance Pass (PDF). The pass is free and valid for one year. It belongs to you, not the support person. This means a different support person may travel with you each time you ride the bus.