All of GRT's conventional buses are accessible, low-floor buses. The operator can lower the front of the bus to a "kneeling" position so passengers who have difficulty stepping up can board the bus more easily. All buses are equipped with ramps, so passengers with mobility devices like canes, walkers, wheelchairs or small scooters can board the bus on a gentle incline.
Priority seating
Priority seating is available on all buses for the use of passengers with a disability. These seats are located close to the entrance door of the vehicle, and are marked with the blue Priority Seating decal.
Stabilizer belts
The wheelchair seating area is equipped with a stabilizer belt to keep passengers in wheelchairs secure while the bus is moving.
- Position the wheelchair facing the back of the bus with the back against the padded post. Lock the wheelchair in place.
- Pull out the stabilizer belt (located beside the flipped-up seats).
- Pass the belt through the front of the wheelchair frame on the side closest to the seats.
- Buckle the belt and make sure it is taut.
Audio announcements
GRT buses are equipped with interior and exterior audio announcements. Audio announcements help people who are visually impaired and passengers who are travelling an unfamiliar route.
- Interior announcements: When you are riding the bus, the bus will play an announcement as it approaches each stop, naming the bus stop and street location.
- Exterior announcements: When you are waiting at the bus stop, as the bus comes to a stop and the doors open, it will announce the route number, name and the final destination of the trip.
Emergency response
In the event of an emergency evacuation on the bus, Bus Operators will identify customers with a disability and provide the appropriate assistance to evacuate them from the vehicle to a safe location. This information is available in accessible format, upon request.
Operator responsibilities
Bus Operators will, upon request:
- Deploy ramps;
- Ensure that adequate time is provided to persons with disabilities to safely board, be secured and deboard transportation vehicles and that assistance be provided, upon request, for these activities;
- Assist with securing mobility assistive devices used by persons with disabilities; and
- Allow a person with a disability to travel with a medical aid.
This information is available in accessible format, upon request.
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 width and weight capacity
Grand River Transit low floor buses can deploy ramps in any weather condition. Each ramp is slightly less than 30 inches wide, and has a maximum lift capacity of 600 pounds (272 kg).
On GRT MobilityPLUS vehicles, each ramp is 33 inches wide and has a lift capacity of 800 pounds (364 kg).
Even if your mobility device is within the maximum width and weight limits, the length and maneuverability of your device may affect your ability to board the bus. Once you have boarded the bus, your mobility device must be able to turn and maneuver into the priority seating area. If you have any concerns, please contact the customer service centre at 519-585-7555 for more information.