Transit Accessibility
Grand River Transit has services and technology to make transit accessible to everyone.
Our low-floor buses, which make up over 85 per cent of the fleet, are marked with a wheelchair symbol on the front and sides. They do not have stairs. The operator can lower the front of the bus, causing it to "kneel" so passengers find it easier to board. A ramp located at the front of low-floor buses also allows passengers with wheelchairs and other mobility devices to board on a gentle incline.
Bus Dimensions
When attempting to board the bus all mobility aides and devices must be able to fit through the front doors.
On some buses the front doors are 40 inches wide. On all other buses the front doors are 30 inches wide. The aisles in a bus are roughly 24 inches wide.
Ramp Weight Capacity
Grand River Transit low floor buses can deploy ramps in any weather condition. The width of each ramp is slightly less than 30 inches wide and has a maximum lift capacity of 600 pounds (272Kg).
On GRT MobilityPLUS Specialized vehicles, the width of each ramp is 33 inches wide with a lift capacity of 800 pounds (364kg)
If your wheelchair does meet the width and weight requirement, there are factors such as the length and manoeuvrability of your mobility device that may affect your ability to board the bus. Once you have boarded the bus, your mobility device must be able to turn and manoeuvre into the priority seating area. If you have any concerns, please contact the customer service centre at 519-585-7555 for more information.
Improving Accessibility Practices and Procedures
Our new automated bus stop announcement system audibly states the location in advance of a stop to help people unfamiliar with the neighbourhood or riders who cannot see the route.
Pre-boarding and Audio Announcements
Under the legislation and GRT policy, customers can request the bus operator to provide them with trip and destination information when they board the bus. The bus operator is required to announce the route and destination, including any "via" directions in a clear statement loud enough so the customer can hear it.
All GRT buses are equipped with audio announcement technology to broadcast approaching bus stops. Each announcement names the bus stop and the street location.
Audio announcements help people who are visually impaired as well as passengers travelling an unfamiliar route. GRT is committed to providing accessible transit, and reporting accessibility issues to the public.
| Month |
Number of Issues Reported by the GRT Riders |
Number of Issues Reported by Bus Operator to Maintenance | Total |
| March, 2013 |
0 |
17 |
17 |
| February, 2013 |
1 |
16 |
17 |
| January, 2013 |
0 |
17 |
17 |
| December, 2012 |
1 |
16 |
17 |
| November, 2012 |
0 |
9 |
9 |
| October, 2012 |
1 |
13 |
14 |
| September, 2012 |
0 |
24 |
24 |
| August, 2012 |
1 |
39 |
40 |
| July, 2012 |
2 |
22 |
24 |
Priority Seating is a Priority
The new Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (2005) regulation "O.Reg.191/11" requires "Priority Seating" at the front of the bus to be reserved for people of all ages with disabilities and mobility challenges.
Priority seating at the front of all GRT buses, will be given to:
Customers who use wheelchairs, scooters, mobility aids and customers with a disability.
Ontario regulations require that passengers, other than persons with disabilities must vacate these seats if it is required and requested by a passenger with a disability.
New and more visible "Priority Seating" decals have been placed on all GRT buses near the front of the bus.
Thank you for helping to make the transit experience comfortable and safe for everyone.
Transit Bus Stops
GRT's basic stop consists of a bus stop post and sign. Many stops also include a shelter and bench for customer convenience.
Express bus route stops (known as iXpress) include a shelter, indoor and outdoor benches, next bus real time digital displays and lighting.
Presently, there are over 2900 bus stops and over 370 of those have shelters. The shelter doorways are approximately 134 cm (53") wide.
Some of our bus stops have individual curb ramps with tactile edges on the curbs for those who have low vision or are visually impaired
Not all bus stops have concrete pads or sidewalks. If you require the use of a ramp and you are at a location that does not have a concrete pad, the bus operator will choose a safe spot to allow you to board and exit the bus.
At the Ainslie Street Terminal, Charles Street Terminal and satellite terminal locations, the bus stops are accessible. The platforms have gently sloping ramps that allow passengers to go from the platforms to the street level or from the platforms onto the low floor buses.
Not all GRT bus stops are accessibile for customers with a disability. If an official bus stop is not accessible for a passenger with a disability, the Bus Operator shall ensure that customers with disabilities are able to board or exit the bus at the closest available safe location, as determined by the Bus Operator.
GRT is constantly working to improve the bus stop environment. If you have any concerns or suggestions about a bus stop that you use, please call us at 519-585-7555.
Emergency Evacuation of a Bus
In the event of the need for an emergency evacuation of a bus, the Bus Operator will ensure all customers are off the vehicle. and kept away from traffic at all times. The Operator will identify customers with disabilities and provide the appropriate assistance to evacuate them from the vehicle and ensure they remain in a safe location. In cases of emergency evacuation, it may be necessary for the Operator to physically assist customers with injuries or disabilities. If the bus ramp does not function and the customer is not in danger bus has to be removed from the vehicle, the Bus Operator will manually deploy the ramp.
MobilityPLUS
GRT offers a specialized service on small bus-type vehicles for mobility-impaired individuals. MobilityPLUS service allows eligible persons to pre-book trips to and from specific destinations within Kitchener, Waterloo and Cambridge city limits. Service is also provided in Wilmot, Woolwich, Wellesley and North Dumfries townships through Kiwanis and MobilityPLUS North Dumfries
You may be eligible for MobilityPLUS if you meet any of the following requirements:
- Unable to climb or descend steps used on conventional public transportation
- Unable to walk a distance of 175 metres (575 feet)
- Have a temporary disability, such as a broken leg
- Registered with CNIB
Link to more information on MobilityPLUS, or call 519-585-7555; TTY 519-575-4608 to have an application form mailed to you.
If you are already familiar with MobilityPLUS, fill out application form.
Print an application form. There is no charge to apply.
Service Animals
People with disabilities who are accompanied by a service animal are permitted access to all public areas of the Grand River Transit system. Service animals used for the purpose of assisting a person with a disability, such as a guide dog. All service animals must be under the care and control of their handler at all times.
A service animal must not place passengers or GRT operators at risk.
All people using a service animal must meet the requirements stated in the Accessibility for Ontarians With Disabilities Act 2005. Passengers with service animals may be asked to present a letter from a physician or nurse stating that the animal is required for reasons of a disability.
Terminals
Charles St. Terminal:
This is a two story building with access to Charles St and the out of town bus platforms. There are elevators, escalators and stairs that allow for easy access to the 2nd floor. The elevators allow access to each platform and the terminal entrance leading to Charles Street. The elevators are equipped with Braille signage and there are other tactile signs to indicate the bus bays in the terminal.
For your safety, do not use any mobility device or equipment while attempting to climb or descend stairs or escalators. Mobility devices are any devices with wheels, tires or something that aids an individual in their mobility. Please use elevators if you have mobility devices or equipment.
The stairs have yellow strips at the edge for increased visibility and have handrails. The curbs at the bus bays also have yellow strips increasing the visibility of the curbs. The bus bays have gently sloping ramps that allow passengers to easily navigate from the platforms to the street level).
Out-of-town buses arrive and depart from the main platform. This platform is located off Charles Street and can be accessed from the main entrance on Charles Street. Elevators on each platform allow easy access from the second floor to the out of town bus bays.
GRT buses arrive and depart at the 2nd and 3rd bus bays. These bays can be accessed safely by using the elevators to and from the second floor of the terminal.
The terminal entrances are all equipped with automatic sliding doors.
Digital displays show the next bus arrival time on each floor at almost every entrance and exit.
In case of an emergency, there are exits located at each platform and exit signs are clearly visible on each floor. Procedures are in place that allow the appropriate authorities to assist with the evacuation of individuals who need assistance located on the various floor levels.
Ainslie St. Terminal:
This terminal only has one floor at ground level and is completely accessible. There is ramped access at the three corners of the platform. The edges of the platforms are also painted yellow to increase visibility of the curb cut. All public doors into the building have push button access.
Both terminals have a TTY pay phone for use. Throughout the terminals we use high-contrast, large font signage for increased visibility. Both terminals also have accessible washrooms. Please ask the terminal clerks or security for assistance in locating them.
