Travelling with Mobility Aids and Devices Policy

Rules and expectations for persons travelling on Wheel-Trans using mobility aids and assistive devices

Policy Statement

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

Wheel-Trans will attempt to accommodate customers’ preferred mobility and assistive device and will ensure 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 an assistive device.

Responsibility

Wheel-Trans’ 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

Integrated Accessibility Standards Regulation, Ont. Reg. 191/11

Ontario Human Rights Code

TTC By-Law No. 1

Definitions

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

Mobility Assistive Device means a cane, walker or similar aid used to facilitate the transport of a person with a disability.

A Wheelchair is 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.

A Mobility Scooter is a mobility device equivalent to a wheelchair but configured like a motor-scooter.

An Unconventional Mobility Device is any device other than standard mobility devices such as wheelchairs, mobility scooters, walkers, crutches, canes, and braces or any mobility device that cannot be safely secured using the TTC Wheel-Trans’ securement system.

Transport wheelchairs are categorized as Unconventional Mobility Devices since their lightweight design prevents them from being safely secured using the TTC Wheel-Trans’ securement system while the customer is seated in them. All customers using a transport wheelchair must transfer to a seat on the Wheel-Trans vehicle. The Operator will secure the transport wheelchair separately, similar to other mobility devices such as walkers, rollators, etc.

Policy

Wheel-Trans offers a variety of vehicle types within its fleet in order to accommodate customers with different types of abilities.
A wheelchair cannot be larger than 31 inches (78.74cm) wide or heavier than a total weight (customer and device) of 800 lbs.
Customers travelling on Wheel-Trans services may use standard mobility devices.
Any customer or support person using a mobility device must control/move their own mobility device. Operators will not control a customer’s mobility device due to safety reasons. Operators will assist manual wheelchairs, and will secure/stow any mobility device once on board the vehicle.
Customers who wish to travel on Wheel-Trans services using unconventional mobility devices (i.e. any device that is not on the standard mobility device list) may be required to participate in a Mobility Device Assessment to determine if the device can be safely secured on board Wheel-Trans vehicles.

Standard vs. Unconventional Mobility Aids and Assistive Devices:

Standard Devices	Unconventional 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) 4 wheel scooter 3 wheel scooter Kneeling scooter Cane Crutches Braces Oxygen tanks Strollers Walkers (folding and non-folding)	Any device that is not on the list of standard devices Examples: Segways E-bikes Modified strollers Extra-large devices

Customers who are using mobility devices that are not on the list of standard devices (above) will contact Wheel-Trans Customer Service at wtcs@ttc.ca or 416-393-4111 to arrange an assessment is required.
Wheel-Trans reserves the right to restrict the type of vehicle assigned to a customer depending on the customers' mobility and assistive devices.
Wheel-Trans reserves the right to refuse a ride to customers using mobility and assistive devices that cannot be safely secured using Wheel-Trans’ securement system or devices that would interfere with the safety of other passengers.
It is the responsibility of the customer to ensure that their mobility or assistive device is kept clean and in good repair.
Mobility devices that must be registered or require an operating license (motorcycles, vehicles, etc.) are not allowed on Wheel-Trans vehicles.
Mobility devices are restricted to those that can accommodate only a single user. Multi-passenger devices are not permitted on Wheel-Trans vehicles.
All powered mobility devices must be electric/battery powered. Devices powered by gasoline or other combustible fuels are not permitted on Wheel-Trans vehicles.
It is the responsibility of the customer to notify Wheel-Trans of the type of their mobility and assistive device (and the device used by their support person and/or companion) prior to booking their trip in order to determine the appropriate type of vehicle.
It is the responsibility of the customer to notify Wheel-Trans of any changes in their mobility and assistive device. Customers are encouraged to consult with Wheel-Trans prior to purchasing a new mobility or assistive device.
If the customer does not inform Wheel-Trans of changes in the type of their mobility or assistive device (and the device used by their support person and/or companion) the wrong vehicle type may be sent to them. This could result in a significant delay to customers as Wheel-Trans make arrangements for another ride.

Exceptions

n/a