Wheelchairs and Assistive Devices
Customers with wheelchairs and other assistive devices, such as scooters and walkers, are welcome on OC Transpo vehicles and in our facilities. If you are about to purchase an assistive device, or concerned your device may not fit on our vehicles, check the info below on assistive device size.
Want to make travelling with your assistive device as easy as possible?
Follow our useful tips for:
Boarding
- On the bus, the operator will extend the ramp at the front door for customers with assistive devices.
- On the O-Train, you can board directly from the station platform via the centre doors.
- Wait until the ramp is fully extended.
- Board the vehicle.
- 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 stability 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.
Want to learn more? Watch our video below on how to board and exit a bus with an assistive device:
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.
Want to learn more? Watch our video above on how to board and exit a bus with an assistive device.
Full loads on buses
- If both wheelchair positions on the bus are occupied or if the bus is full with a standing load, the bus operator will let you know before you board.
- The bus operator will then inform you when the next bus is scheduled to arrive.
- In some cases, alternate transportation arrangements can be made.
Accessible stops
- Not all bus stops are accessible to people using assistive devices.
- In some areas of the city, the 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 Transit Information at 613-741-4390 (TTY: 613-741-5280) for advice about where to board or transfer.
Assistive device size
If you are about to purchase an assistive device, or concerned your wheelchair or scooter may not fit on our transit vehicles, these guidelines will help.
On the Bus
Wheelchairs, scooters, and other assistive devices measuring 30 inches (762 mm) wide by 48 inches (1,220 mm) long will fit on an OC Transpo bus.
On Para Transpo
If you use Para Transpo, a slightly larger device can be used - generally, up to 30 inches (762 mm) wide by 50 inches (1,270 mm) long for scooters, and 30 inches (762 mm) wide by 60 inches (1,525 mm) long for wheelchairs.
On the O-Train
If you use the O-Train, assistive devices up to 30 inches (762 mm) wide by 60 inches (1,525 mm) long can be accommodated.
For more information on using your assistive device on transit, contact OC Transpo's Accessible Transit Specialist at 613-842-3636, ext. 2873 (TTY: 613-741-5280) or accessibility@octranspo.com.
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