Travelling with Mobility Aids and Mobility Assistive Devices Policy

Rules and guidelines for persons travelling on Wheel-Trans vehicles using mobility aids and mobility assistive devices.

Policy Statement

The purpose of the Traveling with Mobility Aids and Mobility Assistive Devices Policy (the Policy) is to define the rules and guidelines for persons travelling on Wheel-Trans vehicles using mobility aids and assistive devices.

Wheel-Trans will attempt to accommodate customers’ preferred mobility aids and assistive devices, while ensuring that they can be used safely on Wheel-Trans vehicles.

Scope

The Policy applies to all persons travelling on TTC Wheel-Trans vehicles who are using a mobility aid or a mobility assistive device.

Responsibility

Wheel-Trans Operators, Customer Service, Reservations and Dispatch staff are responsible for executing the Policy. Wheel-Trans Assistant Manager(s) of Customer Service, Reservations and Dispatch are responsible for ensuring correct application of the Policy.

Legislative Requirements

Definitions

Conventional (standard) mobility aids or assistive devices refer to aids/assistive devices that (i) can be safely transported and secured using the Wheel-Trans securement system; and (ii) are on the conventional (standard) aids and assistive devices list found in paragraph 5 of the Policy.

Mobility aid means a device used to facilitate the movement and transport, in a seated posture, of a person with a disability.

Mobility aid/assistive device assessment is an evaluation that may be conducted by Wheel-Trans to determine whether a customer’s mobility aid or assistive device can be safely secured using the Wheel-Trans securement system. The assessment ensures the safety of all persons on board a Wheel-Trans vehicle.

Mobility assistive device means a cane, walker or similar aid used to facilitate the movement and transport, in a standing posture, of a person with a disability.

Mobility scooter is a mobility aid equivalent to a wheelchair but configured like a motor-scooter.

Transport wheelchairs are categorized as unconventional (non-standard) mobility aids whose lightweight design prevents them from being safely secured using the Wheel-Trans securement system while a customer is seated in them. Customers using a transport wheelchair must transfer to a seat on a Wheel-Trans vehicle. Wheel-Trans Operators will secure transport wheelchairs separately, similar to other mobility assistive devices such as walkers, rollators, etc.

Unconventional (non-standard) mobility aids or assistive devices refer to aids/assistive devices that (i) cannot be safely transported and secured using the Wheel-Trans securement system; and (ii) are on the unconventional (non-standard) aids and assistive devices list found in paragraph 5 of the Policy.

Wheelchair is a mobility aid consisting of a chair mounted on wheels driven by muscular or any other kind of power that is designed for and used by a person whose mobility is limited by one or more disabilities or functional impairments.

Policy

Wheel-Trans offers a variety of vehicle types to accommodate customers with different types of abilities.
Any customer or their support person/companion(s) must be able to control/move their mobility aid or mobility assistive device. For safety reasons, Wheel-Trans Operators will not control/move a mobility aid or mobility assistive device. However, they will assist with manual wheelchairs, and will secure/stow any mobility aid or mobility assistive device once on board the Wheel-Trans vehicle.
Customers who wish to travel on Wheel-Trans using an unconventional (non-standard) mobility aid/assistive device (see list below) may be required to participate in a mobility aid/assistive device assessment to determine if the aid/assistive device can be safely secured on board Wheel-Trans vehicles.

Conventional (Standard) vs. Unconventional (Non-standard) Mobility Aids/Assistive Devices:

Conventional (Standard) Aids and Assistive Devices

Unconventional (Non-standard) Aids and Assistive Devices

All devices must be no larger than 31 inches wide (78.74 cm) and no heavier than a combined weight of 800lbs (device and customer)
Standard wheelchair (manual or electric) with footrests
4-wheel scooter
3-wheel scooter
Kneeling scooter
Cane
Crutches
Braces
Oxygen tanks
Strollers
Walkers (folding and non-folding)
Rollators

Any device that is not on the list of conventional (standard) aids/assistive devices

Examples:

Segways
E-bikes
Modified strollers
Extra-large devices

Customers using mobility aids or mobility assistive devices not on the list of conventional (standard) aids and assistive devices can contact Wheel-Trans Customer Service at wtcs@ttc.ca or 416-393-4111 to arrange a mobility aid/assistive device assessment as required.
If Wheel-Trans classifies a mobility aid or mobility assistive device as being an unconventional (non-standard) aid or assistive device, and a customer disagrees, they may request a classification review by providing written documentation from the manufacturer of the aid/assistive device confirming:
- a. It has been safety tested for use as a passenger seat during vehicle transport, and
- b. It is approved for securement and seating during transit in accordance with recognized safety standards.
This documentation must be official and clearly state compliance with applicable safety guidelines. Until such documentation is received and verified, Wheel-Trans will apply the “unconventional (non-standard)” classification for safe transport.
Wheel-Trans reserves the right to restrict the type of Wheel-Trans vehicle assigned to a customer depending on their mobility and the type of mobility aid or mobility assistive device they use. This restriction will apply if the aid/assistive device cannot be properly secured or transported in certain vehicle types using the Wheel-Trans securement system, or if doing so would pose a risk to the customer, Operator, or other passengers.
All mobility aids or mobility assistive devices must be used and secured in a manner that is consistent with the manufacturer’s instructions while traveling on Wheel-Trans.
While traveling on Wheel-Trans, customers using a mobility aid or mobility assistive device must transfer to a seat if the aid/assistive device is not approved for occupied transport in a motor vehicle by the manufacturer.
Wheel-Trans reserves the right to refuse a ride to customers, their support person and/or their companion(s) using mobility aids and mobility assistive devices that cannot be safely secured using the Wheel-Trans securement system or that may interfere with the safety of the customer, Operator or other passengers.
It is the customer’s responsibility to ensure that their mobility aid or mobility assistive device is kept clean and in good repair. If an aid/assistive device is found to be unsafe, unsanitary or in poor condition at the time of pick-up, the Wheel-Trans trip may be cancelled to ensure the safety of the customer, Operator, and other passengers.
Mobility aids and mobility assistive devices that must be registered or require an operating license (motorcycles, vehicles, etc.) are not allowed on Wheel-Trans vehicles.
Only single user mobility aids and mobility assistive devices are permitted on Wheel-Trans vehicles. Multi-passenger aids/assistive devices are not permitted.
Only battery or electric powered mobility aids and mobility assistive devices are permitted on Wheel-Trans vehicles. Aids/assistive devices that are powered by gasoline or other combustible fuels are not permitted.
It is the customer’s responsibility to notify Wheel-Trans of the type of mobility aid or mobility assistive device that they, their support person and/or their companion(s) will be using prior to booking a trip to ensure the appropriate type of Wheel-Trans vehicle is dispatched. Failure to do so may result in significant delay to customers while Wheel-Trans arranges for another type of vehicle to be sent.
It is the customer’s responsibility to notify Wheel-Trans of any change to the type of mobility aid or mobility assistive device they have. Customers are encouraged to consult with Wheel-Trans prior to purchasing a new mobility aid or mobility assistive device to ensure it can be safely secured and transported on Wheel-Trans vehicles.

Exceptions

n/a

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