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71
CHAPTER TEN
CONCLUSIONS
Although the information described in the various literature type of stroller is allowed) whereas other policies offer strict
reviews and the survey results focuses on policies in place prohibitions (i.e., only folding strollers stowed under a seat
and the effectiveness of these policies, this topic has much to are allowed). Generally, rail operations are less restrictive in
do with how staff and riders interact with one another. When terms of what types, dimensions, or quantities of large items
someone boards a transit vehicle, he or she typically looks for passengers may carry on board, while buses, with limited
a place to sit or stand. The process of entering a bus or train capacity and dedicated securement areas for wheelchairs,
and finding a place may go unnoticed on most transit vehicles: have more restrictive policies. The data collected and sum-
other than a greeting, the operator is not required to do any- marized in this synthesis highlight considerations for many
thing special, and other riders may only need to step aside of the large items reviewed.
for a new passenger. However, when a passenger boards with
a large item or uses a mobility device, operators and other
transit riders are impacted. Luggage, carts, or strollers require WHEELCHAIRS AND MOBILITY AIDS
other passengers to move away or help make room. Wheel-
chairs or scooters require operators to use a ramp or lift and With ADA law in the United States, most agencies have
passengers to clear the designated tie-down area. As the sur- significant direction with regard to developing policies to
vey responses reveal, large items can cause delays, conflicts accommodate wheelchairs. Because mobility aids include a
among passengers, and more responsibility for the operator. large class of assistive devices, some of which are also used
as recreational vehicles (e.g., Segways), agencies have had
As a result of the complexities surrounding large items difficulties defining what they can safely accommodate on
on transit vehicles, many agencies have developed policies to their vehicles. Several agency representatives commented
guide what may be taken on board a vehicle, how many items that clearer guidance at the federal level and incorporated
may be carried, where items may be stored or used, and the into the ADA would make it easier to develop appropriate
agency's role in terms of providing direction and assistance. policies for what passengers could carry on transit vehicles.
The information presented in this synthesis covers a broad Safe transport of mobility devices is a priority, but some
range of policies and issues as they have been addressed by agencies feel that they are unqualified to make a determina-
a selected group of representative North American transit tion about whether certain devices are suitable for transit,
agencies. Although the information obtained from the survey as demonstrated by survey responses about the structural
cannot be used to generalize policies at all transit providers integrity and transportability of wheelchairs in general. Tie-
or how these policies are applied, the findings highlight the downs and securement systems are designed primarily for
complications associated with large items on transit vehicles wheelchairs; several agencies struggle trying to secure Seg-
and that a human element exists. Many agencies adopt policies ways, as well as certain types of common scooters, because
with strict guidelines, but operators are challenged to enforce their vehicles are not equipped properly or securement tech-
them and in many cases develop solutions based on the spe- nologies have not caught up with new devices.
cific circumstances. Thus, this synthesis presents frequen-
cies of responses to survey questions and is supplemented by Based on the survey comments, when agencies collabo-
extensive commentary from agency representatives. rate with people with disabilities--either on an individual
basis or through their advisory committee(s)--to develop
The survey of 42 transit agencies (100% response rate) new policies or refine existing policies, they usually consider
evidenced the variation among policies in accommodating their policies to be more effective as a result of this collab-
large items on transit vehicles: almost all agencies have regu- orative approach.
lations in place regarding wheelchairs on vehicles, but many
agencies have never encountered a Segway and therefore
have no policies that address them, and nearly one-quarter of STROLLERS
the agencies have no policies regarding carrying luggage or
carts on board transit vehicles. Even if an agency has a policy Transit agencies are less comfortable with their stroller poli-
in place, some policies make allowances for items (i.e., any cies than with wheelchairs and mobility aids. The Ottawa
