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. 

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 Announcements upon customer request

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.

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

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.  

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.

GRT website