Information on this page: Mandatory attendant/companion | Operator assistance | Mobility aids | Animals on board

Mandatory attendant/companion

Mandatory attendant

Mobility Bus operators must concentrate on the safe operation of their vehicles and cannot supervise those who require constant and frequent attention because of medical or behavioural reasons. Registrants displaying unacceptable behaviours that affect other passengers and/or the operator will be required to travel with a mandatory attendant at all times.

If a mandatory attendant is required and you meet the eligibility criteria, Mobility Bus will only provide service when an attendant is traveling with you. There is no charge for a mandatory attendant to travel.

Companion

If space is available, one friend or family member (not required as an attendant) may ride with the registered client but must pay the regular fare. Space for the friend or family member must be reserved at the time of booking.

Operator assistance

Mobility Bus Operators DO:

• Operate power lifts on their vehicle and secure wheelchairs and scooters to the floor of the vehicle using the vehicle restraint system.
• Assist clients with lap/shoulder straps and belts.
• Assist clients on and off vehicles.
• Assist clients between the vehicle and the inside of the first exterior set of accessible doors at the place of origin and/or destination. An accessible door is an outside door with no more than one step.

Mobility Bus Operators DO NOT:

• Enter your premises under any circumstances.
• Lock any doors to your premises on your behalf.
• Assist clients in climbing more than one step.
• Make any repairs or adjustments to your equipment.
• Transfer clients from a wheelchair or mobility device to any kind of lift device. Clients must have an attendant or caregiver who will assist them if required.
• Help with parcels or baggage. Limit your possessions to those that you can carry or travel with a companion that can assist you. Packages should only be those that you can carry and store on your lap. Bags cannot be stored in the aisle of the bus.
• Take your equipment down the steps and then go back up for you. All equipment must be at ground level when the operator arrives.
• Provide medical assistance, administer medication, or adjust medical equipment.

Mobility aids

For the safety of all passengers, all wheelchairs and scooters must meet specific size, weight, and safety guidelines. All mobility aids must be kept clean and in good repair at all times or they will not be allowed on Mobility Bus.

Wheelchairs

• The base of a wheelchair cannot measure more than 30 X 50 inches (76 X 127 cm).
• Bags attached to the backs of wheelchairs must be compact and fit into the space behind the chair's arms.
• Must have a secure, easily identifiable place on the frame for the tie-downs to be attached.
• Must have escort handles and functioning brakes.
• The wheelchair, passenger and parcels/baggage cannot have a combined weight of more than 750 lbs (340 kg).
• Must have a secure, easily identifiable place on the frame for the tie-downs to be attached.

Scooters

• The base of a scooter cannot measure more than 30 X 50 inches (76 X 127 cm).
• Scooters must be tied down separately. The client will be asked to transfer to a seat for their safety. Scooters must have a secure, easily identifiable place on the frame for the tie-downs to be attached.
• The scooter, passenger, and parcels/baggage cannot have a combined weight of more than 750 lbs (340kg).

Animals on board

Assistance animals

Certified assistance animals are allowed on Mobility Bus vehicles to assist clients with visual, hearing or physical disabilities. Owners of assistance animals must have a letter or certificate on file with Mobility Bus that verifies that the animal has been trained by a recognized school.

Family Pets

Mobility Bus must balance the desire to be pet friendly with the comfort of all passengers on the bus. Therefore, some restrictions apply:

• Only small dogs and cats are allowed if they are contained in a fully enclosed, clean, hand-held crate appropriate to the animal's size.
• All crates must have a solid bottom to contain any animal waste.
• Crates must be small enough to fit on the owner's lap.
• Only one hand-held crate allowed per passenger.
• Passengers are responsible for their pets and must hold onto crates at all times. If there is room on the bus, crates may be placed on the floor beside the owner without blocking the aisle or other passengers.
• Pets may be refused if they misbehave or pose a health or safety risk.