Accessible Hi Tran

All Hi tran routes are wheelchair accessible. Hi tran operates fifteen (15) low-floor buses with wheelchair ramps and two wheelchair securement areas. These buses do not have any steps at the doors (there are two steps halfway down the center aisle behind the rear door.) These buses 'kneel' to lower the bus about 4 inches, making it easier to step into the bus. The ramp has a solid platform and is designed for wheelchair and scooter users and others who use a walker or cane or simply have trouble climbing steps. If you use a wheelchair, scooter or other mobility aid, or can't step up, the driver can deploy the ramp for you. Riding the bus is easy!

Exact fare is required on all Hi tran routes; drivers cannot make change. If you have a $5, $10, or $20 bill the farebox will issue you a change card that can then be used for future trips on Hi tran.

If you have a Hi tran reduced fare identification card for elderly or disabled persons or a valid Medicare Card please have the card and your fare ready when boarding. The card needs to be shown to the driver before depositing the fare. Also, when paying the fare, be sure to ask for a transfer if you need to transfer to another Hi tran route for your trip.

If you need to use the ramp, here are a few tips:

Entering the Bus

• Remain at least five feet from the front door to allow other passengers to get on or off.
• Make eye contact with the driver and indicate that you need the ramp.
• Wait for the ramp to be lowered. Move forward onto the ramp, deposit your fare, and move into the bus. You can ask the driver to help if you use a manual wheelchair and the ramp is too steep.
• Wait until the driver has raised the flip-up seats to create space for securement of your wheelchair. Back into the securement area. The driver will secure the straps and the seat belt. Make sure to lock your brakes or turn off the power on your wheelchair when instructed to so do by the driver. The driver cannot move the bus until the securement is completed.
• Please inform the driver of your stop to help him anticipate when you may need assistance. Major stops and intersections are automatically announced. Other stops are announced by request only.

Exiting the Bus

• To notify the driver that you wish to get off the bus, press the yellow pushbutton on the underside of the flip-up seats in the securement area about a block before the stop where you want off. The bell will ring, a verbal announcement will be made, and an indicator will light on the dashboard to let the driver know the ramp will need to be deployed.
  
• Unlock your brakes or turn the power on your wheelchair on. The driver will unfasten the securement straps and seatbelt.
  
• Before moving out of the securement area make sure the aisle is clear, proceed forward, and exit using the ramp. Be sure to move at least five feet away from the ramp.
  
• Your trip is complete!

  If both wheelchair spaces are occupied, or if the bus if full to capacity and cannot accommodate another customer, you will be advised to wait for the next available bus.

For assistance with planning your trip on Hi tran or to request information about routes, schedules, or fares call Hi tran at 889-7433 Monday through Friday 5:30 am to 6:00pm and Saturday from 8:00am to 5:00pm.

Wheelchairs and Scooters

The design and variety of mobility aids used by persons with disabilities has evolved greatly. Powered mobility aids have become much more commonplace and often include options that can tilt and elevate the seat. These features increase the mobility aid's size and weight, which can make boarding a bus more difficult, as the interior space in a bus is limited by the width of traffic lanes and by the clear space between the wheels.

In adopting regulations to implement the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA), the U.S. Department of Transportation included the following definition to address this issue:

Wheelchair means a mobility aid belonging to any class of three or four-wheeled devices, usable indoors, designed for and used by individuals with mobility impairments, whether operated manually or powered. A "common wheelchair" is such a device which does not exceed 30 inches in width and 48 inches in length measured two inches above the ground, and does not weigh more than 600 pounds when occupied.

This definition is important because the federal regulations for ramps, ramps and securement areas on accessible buses are based on this 'common wheelchair' standard. IF you use a wheelchair, scooter or other mobility aid that exceeds any of the above dimensions, you may not be able to use some public transportation vehicles.

According to the Federal Transit Administration, an electrically powered personal assistive device such as the Segway is not considered to be a "common wheelchair" under the Americans with Disabilities Act. If you use a Segway to assist with mobility limitations due to a disability, please contact Hi tran at 889-7433 to discuss how and if Hi tran can meet your transportation needs.