Transit Accessibility

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Wheelchair

Low-Floor Bus

Low-floor service allows people with reduced mobility the freedom and independence of using public transit services.

A low-floor bus has no steps at the front door and the bus is also equipped with a driver-controlled retractable foldout ramp, which when folded out to the curb makes for a virtually flat entrance into the bus.

The bus has a capacity of 20 seated passengers which includes 5 priority passenger seats, identified by blue upholstery. The priority seating area can be modified to accommodate 2 standard wheelchairs.

Boarding and Exiting the Bus

To help keep the buses on schedule, it is important that boarding, securing, and exiting the bus is completed as quickly as possible.

Here are a few tips that will help make your trip safe and relaxing:

Riders must be 4 to 5 feet away from the front door of the bus, allowing for adequate clearance before entering the bus.
Upon request, Transit Operators will provide assistance to secure passengers who travel in a wheelchair. Operators will not be lifting individuals. Persons needing such assistance should be traveling with a support person.
Operators will provide sufficient time for those who are unsteady on their feet to get safely to a seat and off the bus.
A priority and courtesy seating area is available at the front of the bus for persons with reduced mobility, including seniors and those using a wheelchair or scooter. These seats are available on a first come first serve basis.
Transit Operators will assist the safe and careful storage of mobility aids used by persons with disabilities.

Wheelchair or Scooter Boarding and Exiting

When boarding, keep back at least 1.5 m (5 feet) from the front doors so the ramp can be safely extended. Passengers using a wheelchair or scooter are required to board independently and position their mobility device inside the bus, or bring an attendant to assist them.
The maximum size of a wheelchair or scooter, including all attachments, on a low-floor bus is 71 cm (28 inches) wide, by 122 cm (48 inches) long.
With the wheelchair/scooter in a forward facing position, the securement system must be fastened. Operators will assist with frame belts and a lap belt is provided if your wheelchair/scooter doesn't have one.
Power to electric wheelchairs/scooters must be turned off, and wheelchair brakes must be applied.
Customers travelling in a wheelchair or scooter will notice a yellow touch strip on the edge of the flip-seats. Pressing this strip will notify the driver that you wish to exit the bus at the next stop.
For those using a wheelchair or scooter, the Operator will assist with the removal of the securement system and where necessary deploy the ramp for exiting.

Priority Seating

Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) requires priority seating be designated for seniors and peoples with disabilities. Priority seating is available on Bracebridge Transit. These seats, found near the front of the bus, are reserved for passengers who are disabled or have a physical limitation requiring priority seating. Passengers are reminded to offer these seats to individuals in need of priority seating.

Priority Seating on BracebridgeTransit (in order of priority):

People using mobility aids such as wheelchairs and scooters.
Persons with disabilities, seniors in need (age 65 or older), people with walkers.
Children in strollers & bicycles. Note: children in strollers and bicycles will be accommodated, however, should anyone noted in priority (1) or (2) require the accessible seating area, you will be asked to move to another seat. Play buggies such as plastic pull-along cars, wagon carts and strollers not carrying children are not subject to the same privileges.

Locating a Seat

On the low-floor bus, the 2 front seats can be flipped up to accommodate up to 2 persons in wheelchairs/scooters.

Note: If the bus is full, or is already carrying 2 customers who use a wheelchair or scooter, the Transit Operator may not be able to pick up another customer using a wheelchair or scooter.

Move forward down the aisle and back into the wheelchair space provided. The drive will ensure that the lift-up seats are raised. Back into the secured space and fasten the safety strap across your chest. Make sure you lock your brakes.

The securement belt system provided on the bus is mandatory and service can be denied if securement is refused. Transit drivers will assist with attaching and removing the securement system only - for the safety of our operators and for your safety, operators cannot provide assistance for boarding, positioning or exiting the bus. If you need assistance, please bring a friend or an attendant with you.

Making an Exit

If you know at which stop you wish to exit the bus, press the yellow stop to signal the driver. Once the bus has come to a full stop, please move to face the front of the bus and proceed to the safety line on the bus floor. Stay behind the safety line on the floor of the bus until the ramp has been completely lowered by the driver. Move onto the ramp facing forward and exit the bus.

Support Person

If you require a support person to accompany you on Bracebridge Transit, you may apply for a Support Person Transit Card Application Form which allows someone to travel with you for free in order to assist you during your journey.

Safety and the Law

If a bus is full, or is already carrying two customers in wheelchairs, the driver will not be able to pick up additional wheelchair customers. The driver will stop the bus and inform you that secured areas are occupied and will let you know when the bus will arrive.

Bracebridge Transit drivers are concerned about the safety of their passengers. Drivers have been trained to provide the safest and most efficient service. Training includes safe operation of the ramp system and an understanding of customer needs. Please ask your driver if you have any questions.