Accessible Routes

Over 70% of our bus fleet is now fully accessible.

Most regular black routes use fully accessible low floor buses. However, during rush hours or due to other circumstances, regular high-floor buses may be assigned to these routes from time-to time.

Low-Floor trips are identified on Bus Route Schedules and in the Travel Planner. When you create a travel plan be sure to check the ACCESSIBLE BUSES option.

Accessible Light Rail

The O-Train and stations are fully accessible, providing yet another option for getting around in the Capital. The accessible entrance is always the centre door and space for wheelchairs and mobility aids is located just inside.

Low Floor Buses

Low floor buses are identified by a blue and white wheelchair symbol in the upper corner on the front of the bus.

Low floor Buses have many features that make taking transit better:

• a ramp and two wheelchair spots
• no stairs
• can lower to the curb so the first step is easier

Go ahead and ask for the bus to "kneel" - helpful for seniors, persons with mobility difficulties, parents with small children or even shoppers laden with parcels.

Riding the bus

Mobility aids up to 27 inches wide can be accommodated. However, larger models will fit on some vehicles. If you want further information about whether your mobility aid can be accommodated on conventional low-floor buses, contact the Accessibile Transit Specialist.

Low-floor buses provide room for two mobility devices. Passenger seats fold up to provide space for a device. Position yourself to face the rear of the bus, and, if desired, secure your device with the optional strap.

Boarding

On low-floor buses, the operator will extend the ramp at the front door for customers with mobility aids. On the O-Train, you can board directly from the station platform via the centre doors.

Wait until the ramp is fully extended.

Back into position so that the back of your wheelchair or scooter is against the padded backrest.

Set the brakes or turn off the device. Secure the optional belt if desired.

If the fold-down seats in the wheelchair spaces are occupied, ask the occupants to yield their seat. If necessary, you can ask the operator to make a priority-seating announcement. On the O-Train, you can contact the operator via the Emergency intercom located beside the door.

Exiting

To signal your bus stop, use the special “stop request” button located within easy reach. The operator will receive a signal that indicates the ramp is needed. The O-Train makes every stop automatically. If you’re not sure that you will recognize your stop, or if you're unable to push the button, as you board the bus tell the operator where you're going or present your Destination Card and the operator will announce your destination and make the stop automatically.

Wait until the bus comes to a complete stop before moving to the front, then wait until the ramp is fully extended before exiting. On the O-Train, watch for any gaps between the door and platform.

Note: when the bus arrives, if both wheelchair positions are occupied or the bus is full with a standing load, the operator will inform you when the next low-floor bus is scheduled to arrive. In some cases alternate transportation arrangements can be made.

Bus stops and stations

Many Transitway Stations provide elevators and stairs to move from one platform to another. From time to time, an elevator may be out-of-service or under repair. This does not happen often, but when you are planning an “accessible” trip, please consult the elevator status page, or use the online Travel Planner, which provides a ‘note’ in your itinerary to advise you of out-of-service elevators.

Not all bus stops are accessible to people using wheelchairs and scooters or other mobility devices. Lack of sidewalks or curb cuts at a bus stop can make it difficult or impossible to use the stop. If you are unfamiliar with the bus stops on your trip, call the Transit Information Centre for advice about where to board or transfer.