Features to Consider in a Wheelchair Accessible Bus
In today’s world accessibility features are super important because worldwide roughly 10 percent of the population use and need wheelchairs. And making a bus wheelchair accessible is not difficult. Today, we want to discuss the features to consider having or adding to make buses wheelchair accessible and more wheelchair friendly.
In and Out
In order for a wheelchair user to ride a bus, that person has to be able to get on and off the bus with the wheelchair. There needs to be either a ramp that lowers to the ground, a lift, or the bus itself has to lower to the ground with a doorway wide enough for a wheelchair to pass through.
What you add to your bus will depend on what kind of bus you have and the footprint inside for wheelchair users as well as budgetary considerations. However, keep in mind that buses can be customized in all kinds of ways.
You may also want to have some kind of warning lights or alarms when wheelchairs are getting on or off and some extra lighting around the wheelchair access points.
Seats
There needs to be at least a few seats for able-bodied persons to sit. Often a wheelchair user is accompanied by someone who needs a regular seat.
Controls
Controls for things like heating or vents or charging plug-ins or a call button to exit need to be thoughtfully placed so as to be accessible for the wheelchair user.
Flooring
Some kind of non-slip flooring is important, too. You will not want wheelchairs sliding around. A non-slip flooring with also help with faster loading and unloading.
If you would like more information about making your bus or buses wheelchair accessible, here, in Canada, call us at our toll-free number (888) 416-9333, and we can help you.
Dynamic Specialty Vehicles has been supplying and servicing mid-sized buses for over 30 years. With long-term contracts with demanding clients like BC Ambulance and BC Transit, Dynamic Specialty Vehicles knows how to keep their clients safe and their buses running smoothly.
If you have any questions about this article or would like further information about buses and/or services, please call us on our Toll-Free number, (888) 416-9333.