The purpose of this policy is to ensure the safety, comfort and convenience of all passengers on CDC Victoria bus services, in accordance with the Disability Standards for Accessible Public Transport 2002.
This policy applies to all employees and passengers on CDC Victoria bus services in relation to the safe access and transport of passengers with Mobility Aids.
Definitions
Wheelchair – A wheelchair is a manually operated or power-driven device designed primarily for use by an individual with a mobility disability for the purpose of indoor and outdoor movement.
Electric Scooters – An electric scooter is a mobility aid equivalent to a wheelchair but configured like a motor-scooter. They may also be referred to as a motorised mobility device, power-operated vehicle/scooter or mobility scooter.
Prams & Strollers – Prams and strollers are typically three or four wheeled carriages for babies and young children that are pushed by a person on foot.
Mobility Aid – is a device designed to be used to assist movement of a person and in this policy includes a Wheelchair, Electric Scooter, Pram or Stroller.
Employee – an employee or contractor of CDC Victoria Pty Ltd or its subsidiaries.
Bus Drivers
The bus driver’s primary task is to ensure that all passengers are transported safely and comfortably to their destination and that the bus is secure at all times. The bus driver is required to apply these rules, and also take into account the needs of people who have limited mobility (whether or not they are using a Mobility Aid)and those who are using prams and strollers. The bus driver may ask if passengers require assistance.
If not transported appropriately, mobility aids can present a safety risk for both the occupant of the mobility aid, and other passengers on the bus. As these rules are for the safety and comfort of all passengers, the bus driver may ask a passenger who is not prepared to abide by the rules to leave the bus (or may not allow such a passenger to enter the bus). If a passenger who is not complying with these rules refuses such a request, the bus driver may decide, in the interests of safety, not to proceed with the journey, and/or to seek assistance from the CDC Operations Customer Centre via radio communications.
Bus drivers are generally required to remain in the driver’s seat to ensure the safety and security of the bus, however they will assist a passenger by extending the accessible ramp when required and ensure the seats in the accessibility area are placed in the upright position. If a passenger needs additional assistance to enter or leave the bus, the bus driver is expected to provide this assistance if they are physically capable, if they are able to provide assistance in a safe manner, and where the bus is properly secured.
Passengers
CDC Victoria is committed to providing safe, comfortable and reliable transport for passengers, but being a passenger also carries some obligations. Passengers who use mobility aids should consider the size of the area allocated on accessible public transport vehicles when selecting a mobility aid and planning a journey on public transport in Victoria.
Passengers are required to abide by the rules set out within this policy. Passengers who choose not to follow these rules may be asked by the bus driver to disembark the vehicle.
Passengers using Wheelchairs
- Wheelchair users are asked to follow the instructions of the bus driver.
- For safety reasons, wheelchair users are strongly advised to position their wheelchairs facing towards the rear of the bus. However, they may face the front of the bus if this is preferred. In either case, the park brake should be applied.
- Wheelchair users are advised to hold onto the hand rail (wherever possible) while the bus is in motion.
- If a wheelchair user is travelling with a friend or carer, that person is advised to keep a firm hold onto the wheelchair.
- If passengers are already seated in the folding seats in the designated wheelchair space, the wheelchair user takes priority.
- Where a bus driver is asked for assistance by a wheelchair user or carer, other than lowering the bus or extending the wheelchair ramp, the driver is expected to provide this assistance to the passenger if the driver is able to do so in a safe manner. The driver will also raise the folding seats in the wheelchair space to assist the passenger.
- All collapsed wheelchairs must be stowed safely in between the seats ensuring that the aisle and entry/exit areas of the bus are not obstructed.
Passengers using Electric Scooters
In addition to the requirements listed above for wheelchair passengers, electric scooter users must ensure that their scooter meets the specifications set out in the Disability Standards Guidelines (set out below), with the laden weight less than 300kg. The electric scooter must be able to be safely driven onto the bus via the ramp, manoeuvred up the aisle and fit wholly within the allocated wheelchair space.
A bus driver may refuse to allow passenger(s) on board if they reasonably believe that the electric scooter does not meet the specifications set out below, in the interest of safety.
Passengers with Prams and Strollers
At all times, passengers with Prams or Strollers must ensure that the aisle and entry/exit areas of the bus are not obstructed. Any collapsed Prams or Strollers must be stowed safely in between the seats of the bus.
Aids and Devices Not Permitted to be Carried on Buses
Any mobility aid not complying with the specifications set out below will not be permitted on the bus.
Passenger Assistance
Passengers that use mobility aids on CDC Victoria buses and have concerns about accessibility, support or assistance matters can contact the local depot Service Delivery Manager. For contact details, visit https://cdcvictoria.com.au/contact/head-office-and-depots/
Specifications
Conformance Requirements of Mobility Aids – Disability Standards Guidelines
Dimensions
- Have a total weight including the occupant of less than 300 kg.
- The overall width of the mobility aid needs to be less than 800mm and less than 750mm up to 300mm above the ground for use on front door entry buses.
- Be able to negotiate a door height of 1400mm
- Fit within an allocated space of 800mm wide by 1300mm long
Stability
- Have effective braking systems to maintain stability
- Be able to withstand acceleration, braking, cornering and pitching of buses
- Comply with regulations governing the carriage of batteries on public transport. Batteries need to be adequately secured while gel or solid state options should also be considered
- Travel in the direction indicated in the bus, generally facing the rear of bus
Manoeuvrability
- Turn 180 degrees within an area of 2070mm by 1540mm
- Cross a horizontal gap up to 40mm wide
- Mount a vertical rise (bump) up to 12mm
- Cross grating gaps up to 13mm wide and 150mm long
- Negotiate a 1-in-14 ramp unassisted
- Negotiate a 1-in-8 grade where the ramp is less than 1520mm
For more information
