TransLink’s Policy for People with Disabilities

July 13, 2007

An increasing proportion of the Greater Vancouver population is facing mobility challenges. Currently, up to 12 per cent of people in this region have some kind of mobility challenge, but are still able to use conventional transit (source: GVTA staff report on Access Transit, June 2007).

As well, a growing proportion of Greater Vancouver’s population consists of people in older age brackets. It is estimated that by 2031, the median age will be 46.7 years (up from and almost a quarter of the population (24.4 per cent) will be aged 65 or older (source: BC Stats). They, too, often rely on conventional public transit.

In 1989, transit systems in British Columbia committed to becoming fully accessible and since 1996, TransLink and its predecessor, BC Transit Vancouver, have purchased solely low-floor buses (except for highway coaches). The new conventional buses going into service now and in the years to come provide improved access for people with wheelchairs, scooters and walkers, as well as for seniors.

With this in mind, TransLink would like to remind everyone about its basic policy concerning accessible areas on our buses.

• Seating areas nearest the doors on SkyTrain, SeaBus and buses are designed for people with disabilities and for seniors.
• Seats at the front of buses – trolleys, 40’ conventional and 60’ articulated coaches – can flip up to accommodate people with mobility devices. Please vacate these seats immediately and help make room for them.
• Strollers may use this area; however, when demand dictates, the stroller must give way to people with mobility devices, including walkers. Children in strollers should be removed and the strollers collapsed.
• For safety reasons, the maximum size for a stroller is 122 centimetres (48”) long by 60 centimetres (24”) wide. Strollers must be collapsible.
• Wheelchairs and scooters up to 122 centimetres (48”) long by 60 centimetres (24”) wide, will usually fit on the bus.

Contact Customer Relations at 604.953.3040 for more information about mobility device models that do not fit or meet these requirements.

TransLink encourages all “able-bodied” people to be sensitive to the needs of people with mobility challenges, patient with the situations as they arise, and help make the public transit experience as pleasant as possible for everyone.

People who use mobility devices may receive training from the Coast Mountain Bus Company in how to manoeuvre and secure them on board buses: to arrange an appointment, call 604.264.5420.

For more information on policies and facilities for people with disabilities you can also obtain the Riders’ Guide to Accessible Transit by contacting Customer Relations at 604.953.3040.