Is a Wheelchair Bus Your Transportation Solution?
- A wheelchair bus is designed specifically to comfortably transport people in wheelchairs. Getting in and out of a standard bus poses a big problem for wheelchair users. Firstly because the entry door is very narrow width and secondly because hoisting a heavy wheelchair can be a tough job for the bus driver, the wheelchair user or his assistant. Wheelchair buses are commonly used by hospitals, sporting clubs for disabled people, and other institutions. The total number of people the bus can accommodate is usually 13-30 depending on size of the bus and how the seating is arranged.
- In a bus equipped for wheelchair users, a hydraulic lift is attached at the rear door or at the side. Wheelchair users steer their wheelchairs onto a platform that is lowered to ground level. This platform is then hoisted up with the hydraulic system. There are various wheelchair lift models available in the market. There are advantages and disadvantages of having the lift at the rear of the bus versus at the side. All side entrances are on the right, therefore the sidewalk side of the bus, so when entering from the side there is no reason for any bus rider to be near the roadway and it's fast-moving traffic. But there may circumstances such that a rear entrance and exit to the bus is preferable, for instance if you are parking in a narrow parking space or in a lay-by with little space to the right to perform the operation.
- Safety becomes a prime concern in these buses. In case of a fire or accident, disabled people would find it hard to get out of the bus quickly. Obviously, there are general precautions bus riders can take to protect themselves in the event of an accident. Some of these safety features include wheelchair stoppers and wheelchair seatbelts. In addition the bus must have 2 fire extinguishers; each rated at 8BC or above. Each fire extinguisher must be inspected and serviced by a firm authorized by the state fire marshal and must be done at yearly intervals. Portable extinguishers should be mounted where they are accessible to wheelchair users. In addition to this, periodic checks to the bus' systems have to be made. The braking system, the hydraulic lift system, electric system of the bus, all have to be thoroughly checked to ensure proper safety of the occupants.