Mobility Devices and Aids

Passengers with sophisticated and complex mobility devices should attempt to assist or to provide any special instructions to the drivers when using the Handi-Transit service.

If a walker requires special attention when folding, tell the driver. With the many variety of mobility devices in the market, do not expect drivers to know the specifics of your particular mobility device.

Any changes to mobility aids MUST be reported to Handi-Transit by calling 986-5722.

Wheelchair Transport and Safety
Correct wheelchair securement is essential for the safety of the passenger. The method being used to secure wheelchairs is a Ratchet Strap 4 Point Tie-down System. To attain the best securement it is recommended that the hook on the Ratchet Strap be attached at a 45-degree angle through the plain of the axle to the wheelchair.
Walker Transport and Safety
Walkers vary a great deal in size and complexity and Handi-Transit understands that special care must be taken when handling them.

Walkers must be foldable and light weight to be able to store them when travelling.

• In cars, the walker must be placed in the trunk of the vehicle.

• In para buses, the walker must be secured with two tie-downs to keep the walker from moving.

• In vans, the walker must be secured with two tie-downs or placed in the rear of the van’s storage area to keep the walker from moving.
  
  Walkers that are too large or do not fold may not be accepted on Handi-Transit vehicles.
  Scooter Transport and Safety
  Passengers using three and four-wheeled scooters must BACK their scooters onto the lift when travelling by bus. Once positioned inside the bus or van in the desired location, the power key must be turned off, and the passenger must transfer to an ambulatory seat.

When the passengers reach their destination, they are assisted to their scooter, and drive off the bus or van onto the lift or ramp in a FORWARD facing position.

Due to safety concerns, Handi-Transit requires that clients who travel using a scooter or pedestal seat wheelchair transfer from their scooter or wheelchair to a passenger seat. Assistance is provided to the passenger and the scooter must be secured (tied down) in the vehicle.

Wheelchair Users’ Responsibilities

• All wheelchairs must be maintained in a structurally sound condition at all times.
• All wheelchairs must have functioning brakes that will secure an unattended chair.
• All wheelchairs should be equipped with lap restraint belts to prevent the passenger from sliding out of the chair. This restraint belt is for postural use only and is not designed to be used as an occupant restraint system in vehicles. Passengers with the lap restraint belt are still required to wear the seatbelt equipped in the vehicle.
• Handgrips on escort handles must be firmly attached to permit easy and safe loading.
• Wheelchairs cannot be larger than the lift platform.
• Maximum width in vans is 30 inches.
• Maximum width in buses is 32 inches.
• The combined weight of the passenger and wheelchair must not exceed 600 lbs. or (273 kg.)
• Electric wheelchairs should have variable speed control, leak proof battery cases and battery tie-down straps.
• All wheelchairs must have adequate anchoring/strap positions for attaching the tie-down straps. Wheelchairs that do not have anchoring points or safe securement points may be denied transportation.

Handi-Transit reserves the right to refuse transportation to any individual who attempts to travel in an unsafe wheelchair, or whose wheelchair exceeds width/height dimensions or weight restrictions or whose mobility device cannot be secured safely in the vehicle.

Guide / Assist Dogs

A guide dog is not a pet, but a working animal. It acts much like a crutch or a cane does in assisting people with a corresponding disability. For this reason, guide or assist dogs are allowed in all Handi-Transit vehicles.

Guide or assist animals are not permitted to sit on the vehicle seats unless the driver permits so.

During wet or snowy weather, owners of guide or assist animals are required to bring a blanket if they want their animal to sit on the vehicle seat.