Accessible Transit on the Low-floor Bus

Nanaimo Regional Transit's low-floor buses are equipped to carry two wheelchairs or one scooter. For passengers who have difficulty with stairs, the front of the bus can be lowered to within 25 cm (9.8 in) of the road surface (or about 10 cm from the sidewalk).

Passengers using mobility aids like wheelchairs and scooters can board and exit the bus only at accessible bus stops. Undesignated bus stops present a variety of problems for the bus ramp and for mobility aids.

To find out if a bus stop is wheelchair accessible, call Transit Information at 390-4531 in Nanaimo, and 954-1001 in Parksville/Qualicum Beach (School Dist. #69).

Not all types of mobility devices fit within the limited space on a bus. Passengers who are unfamiliar with the low-floor bus can call the Transit Information numbers listed above to arrange a boarding demonstration.

Mobility Aids on board the Low-floor Bus

Maximum mobility aid dimensions that can be safely accommodated on low-floor buses:

Length: 76cm/30 inches
Width: 73cm/29 inches

Evaluation of mobility aids and passenger orientation to the low-floor bus can be arranged by calling 390-4531 in Nanaimo, and 954-1001 in Parksville/Qualicum Beach (School Dist. #69).

Courtesy on the Accessible Buses

We can keep the ride pleasant and safe for as many people as possible if we all observe the following guidelines:

• Please keep priority seating at the front of the bus free for people using mobility aids, people with disabilities, people with children in strollers and seniors.
A person in a wheelchair or scooter has priority in these seating locations at all times.
• Other mobility aids like walkers are permitted on the bus as long as they do not block the aisle or affect the safety of other passengers. Walkers do not normally need to be collapsed, but passengers should fully apply the braking system where available. In cases where priority seating is unavailable (such as if a person using a wheelchair boards the bus), an affected passenger should collapse his or her walker (where possible) and move to another available seat.
• Passengers travelling with youngsters in strollers can simply wheel the stroller onto any low-floor accessible bus. Just park the stroller in the wheelchair spot. Once you're on board, leave the child in the stroller or sit the child on your lap. Or fold the stroller up and place it between the seats.
• Small two-wheel shopping carts are permitted on the bus provided there is space available and that the carts fit between seats and do not block the aisle. Larger carts and four-wheel buggies are not allowed on the bus.
• Passengers may transport baggage and parcels on the bus as long as they accept responsibility for carrying and handling their items, and the parcels do not block aisles or affect passenger safety. Safe places to carry items are on your lap, below your seat, and—where safe to do so—on the wheel well behind the driver.
• Please exit through the rear doors whenever possible.
• For everyone's safety, please listen to and follow your driver's instructions.