Use of Mobility Devices on Paratransit Vehicles and Buses (2014)

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7 C H A P T E R 3 There are two key motivations for this project: the chang- ing population demographics and the increase in size and weight of WhMDs. Demographics–Passenger Profiles As the population of the U.S. ages, it is becoming more obese and more people have disabilities that impede their access to public transportation. Transportation is essential for all aspects of a quality of life including employment, education, and social interaction. The demand for accessible public transportation is rapidly increasing. Age Trends In the report entitled “The Changing Demographic Profile of The U.S.” the forecast of the proportion of the population over age 65 and older in the U.S. is projected to be 17.9% in 2015 and over 20% by 2050 [Shrestha and Heisler, 2011]. Disability Trends According to current statistical data from the Centers for Disease Control, Table 5 shows the number and percentage of people in the U.S. with mobility and sensory limitations [FastStats, 2013] (http://www.cdc.gov/nchs/fastats/disable.htm). In the U.S., 32.9% of adult Americans have at least one disability with 7.6% having mobility challenges [FastStats, 2013]. Of the population with mobility impairments, some will use walkers and wheelchairs to facilitate mobility, but the trend to use three- and four-wheel mobility scooters appears to have gained significant momentum. It is foreseeable that the demand for these types of mobility devices will continue to increase over the next decade, which will have a severe impact on transportation systems and travel. Obesity Trends During the past 20 years, there has been a dramatic increase in obesity in the U.S. Obesity is defined as a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or greater. In the U.S. the percentage of adults who are obese is 35.9 and the percentage who are overweight including obesity is 69.2 [FastStats, 2013] (http://www.cdc. gov/nchs/fastats/overwt.htm). The U.S. Federal Transit Administration has recognized the increased weight of passengers and was proposing for vehicle testing to (a) increase passenger weight requirement from 150 to 175 pounds, and (b) increase the average occupied floor space from 1.5 to 1.75 square feet. This requirement was with- drawn because the Federal Transit Administration is develop- ing new pass/fail standards that require a more comprehensive review of its overall bus testing program. Traveler Profiles The following section is a characterization of travellers and alternative equipment that is used for travel: People Who Use Manual and Sports Chairs People using manual wheelchairs may propel themselves, or they may be pushed by an attendant. They also may trans- fer to and from their chair either with or without assistance. However people who use sports type wheelchairs typically have very strong upper body and upper extremity strength. They usually propel themselves and accomplish transfers to and from their chair without help. People Who Use Power Wheelchairs People with little upper extremity strength and or agility often use power wheelchairs. In order to operate their device, they use joysticks or similar features to maneuver their powered Motivation

8chairs. They typically cannot transfer independently from their WhMD and often need assistance. Power wheelchairs may also include postural support systems with head, arm and leg supports and tilting mechanisms. People Who Use Bariatric Wheelchairs People using bariatric wheelchairs may have the same fea- tures as manual or power wheelchairs, but the distinguishing feature is the wider seat for the accommodation of people who are obese. It should also be noted that this part of the population often has the ability to transfer themselves using very short periods of standing and walking on their own. People Who Use Mobility Scooters People who use mobility scooters can typically walk for short distances, get in and out of their device independently, and maneuver the scooter on their own. An increasing segment of the aging population are using scooters as a substitute for a car when they are not able to drive a car or as a substitute for a second vehicle. Scooter users are often elderly, semi-ambulatory or people with limited mobility. Scooters are typically battery powered, have a swivel seat and a handle bar for steering. They come in a variety of types and sizes, smaller 3- and 4-wheel scooters are mostly used indoors, due to their insta- bility on outdoor terrains. The larger 4-wheel scooters are more stable and mostly used outdoors. These devices are more robust and often have larger tires, and may be equipped with canopies and other accessories. People Who Use Wheeled Walkers People who use wheeled walkers often have stamina, balance, hip, knee or back problems. The walker provides support and stability. Some walkers are equipped with casters, seats, brakes and large removable baskets. People Who Use Crutches and Canes People who use crutches or canes can stand on at least one lower limb. Many people with crutches are using them only temporarily due to surgery or accidents. Others may use them in addition to their mobility devices such as wheelchairs or scooters because it is easier to negotiate steps with crutches and canes. People Who Are Blind/Vision Impaired People who are blind may use a cane or a trained guide dog. They may also require tactile, audio and olfactory cues. When using transportation the service animals should have access to a designated space away from the aisle to avoid con- flicts with other passengers. People Who Are Deaf/Hard of Hearing People who are deaf or hard of hearing require a visual/text alternative to audio modes for information. They may use dogs or other animals to alert them to audio cues. People who are hearing impaired require assistive listening technologies to enhance their hearing. People Who Are Obese People who are obese typically exceed the 99 percentile human model in body width and weight. Some may use mobility scooters or other equipment for travel. They may require a wider and stronger seat. People Who Use Segway® Type Devices Often people who have difficulty with stamina or must stay vertical use a Segway® or similar device for mobility. Many public transit agencies accept these devices and treat them as WhMDs. People Using Strollers Many families use strollers for transporting children and small adults with disabilities. These devices are generally more robust and larger than typical infant and young chil- dren’s strollers. Mobility Device Characteristics The following types of mobility devices, commonly found in the U.S., were studied for their suitability for transport on transit vehicles. Table 6 shows the dimensions of representative Number (percent) of adults with any physical functioning difficulty: 37.4 million (16.2%) Number (percent) of adults unable (or very difficult) to walk a quarter mile: 17.6 million (7.6%) Number (percent) of adults with hearing trouble: 37.1 million (16%) Number (percent) of adults with vision trouble: 21.2 million (9.2%) Table 5. Number and (percent) of people in U.S. with sensory or mobility limitations.

9 Table 6. Dimensions of generic types of WhMDs. Mobility Device Type Length (inches) Width (inches) Weight (pounds) Turning radius (inches) Manual wheelchairs Source: hp://www.dimensionsinfo.com/wp content/uploads/2010/03/Wheelchair size.jpg 42 24–26 30–120 36 Bariatric Manual Wheelchair Source: hp://mobilitybasics.ca/wheelchairs/bariatric.php 42 26–34 30–120 36 Sports chairs Source: hps://www.ilcnsw.asn.au/items/9771? Topic header=dimensions 35–40 32 20–80 36 or less Extreme sport chair (for illustraon only) Source: hp://www.popularmechanics.com/outdoors/ sports/technology/wheelchair racing boston marathon 60–78 32 80–110 70+ (continued on next page)

10 Table 6. (Continued). Mobility Device Type Length (inches) Width (inches) Weight (pounds) Turning radius (inches) Power chairs Source: hp://www.spinlife.com/Invacare Pronto M94 Heavy Duty/High Weight Capacity Power Wheelchair/spec 38–43 23–25 150 or more 20–28 Power wheelchair with Tilt Features Source: hp://www.beracah.us/powered_wheelchairs.htm 44–55 23–25 200 or more 30–48 3 wheel scooters regular size Source: hp://www.topmobility.ca/images/products/ PRIDE VICTORY ES 9 3 42–48 24–25 100–110 40 3 wheel scooter oversized Source: hp://youalreadyknowwhoiŒs.files.wordpress. com/2010/04/ev rider royale 3 wheel scooter.jpg 49–54+ 200 5530

11 Table 6. (Continued). Mobility Device Type Length (inches) Width(inches) Weight (pounds) Turning radius (inches) 4 wheel scooter regular size Source: hp://www.1stseniorcare.com/images/ goldproducts/Golden 2012/1stSeniorCare Buzzaround XL GB146 4 wheel electric scooter huge.jpg 48 20 100 50 4 wheel scooter over sized Source: hp://www.1800wheelchair.ca/product/ 3774/osprey extra large 4 wheel scooter 54.5 24.5 212 54 or longer Wheeled walkers Source: hp://thumbs3.ebaystaƒc. com/d/l225/m/m7Qn_zIU7c1UjGixhG1gsGg.jpg 25 30 30 25 Segways Source: hp://www.segway.com/compaƒbility/ 26.5 33 120 20

12 types of WhMD according to manufacturer/supplier informa- tion and this shows that most devices are less than 32 in. wide, however many exceed 48 in. in length and the unoccupied weight is less than 300 pounds. • Manual wheelchairs • Sports chairs • Power chairs • Power chairs (with special features) • 3-wheel scooters • 4-wheel scooters • Wheeled walkers • Segways® Descriptions of Wheeled Mobility Devices Manual Wheelchairs Manual chairs were the most common mobility devices in the past decades. They are light, some are foldable, have large rear wheels, small front casters, and are still mainly used by persons with strong arms to propel themselves. They have push bars at the rear for those occupants who cannot propel themselves and are pushed by another person, typi- cally in hospitals, transportation terminals, and institutional places. The “common manual wheelchair,” measuring 25 in. wide and 42 in. long when occupied, was for many years used as a base for regulations and standards with a recom- mended footprint of 30 in. × 48 in. and a turning radius of 36 in. With the advent of making private and public trans- portation accessible, systems were developed to secure the wheelchair to vehicles, mainly by tie-downs to prevent forward and rearward movement. These were rated for an acceleration of 20 g which corresponds to a force of 20 times the weight of the chair. Most wheelchair frames are not strong enough to withstand these acceleration forces without proper structural integrity and attachment points for securement systems. Sports Chairs Sports chairs are made of lightweight materials, have large rear wheels with a camber to allow for greater stability and small front casters when used at sporting events. Small sports chairs typically have a width of 32 in. at the large wheel cam- ber, and the chair’s length can range from 35 to 40 in. Their turning radius is less than 36 in. Sports chairs can easily board public transportation vehicles but are very difficult to secure effectively. There are a great variety of other sports chairs depending on their purposes; some of these such as extreme sports chair, have two large wheels, with a long front exten- sion and one large front wheel. Due to their length they cannot be transported on public transportation vehicles. Power Wheelchairs Power wheelchairs are powered by batteries and operated by joysticks or other control means. They may have special postural control systems or cushioned seats and back, a head- rest, and padded armrests. These devices typically measure about 25 in. wide by 38 to 43 in. long, and can weigh up to 300 or even 400 pounds depending on their power pack and accessories. They are usually very nimble and have a small turning radius of about 28 in., and their footprint can easily be accommodated on public transportation vehicles, provided the user is capable of maneuvering in and out of their position on-board a vehicle. Some manufacturers are complying with WC-19 to equip these chairs with attachment points for securement. In addition there are powered chairs with added features to tilt the chair and also provide extended leg and upper body supports. As a result of the additional features these chairs can vary in length and weight, and can easily exceed the standard foot print of 30 × 48 in., thus making transport on public vehicles difficult. Bariatric Chairs Bariatric chairs can be either manual or power chairs, and they are often distinguished by the width and added design strength of the mobility aid. These chairs are usually wider than 34 in. and designed for users who weigh up to 500 pounds. Users of bariatric chairs often are transported on paratransit vehicles. 3-Wheel Scooters Indoor 3- and 4-wheeled scooters typically have small wheels, and their narrow width (usually about 20 in.) makes them more prone to tipping. However, these devices often are used in environments that they are not designed for and as a result tip over. These scooters should never be occupied during transport, and they are not equipped with designated attach- ment points as specified by WC-19. Oversized 3-wheel scooters have been developed for the out- door environments. These devices have three large wheels and can be powered by batteries or gas engines. The may measure from 49 to 54 in. or longer and can also weigh over 200 lbs. With their size, weight, and turning radius of 70 in. they cannot generally be accommodated onboard public transpor- tation vehicles. Large 4-Wheel Scooters Large 4-wheel scooters may have a footprint of 30 in. wide by 48 in. long and provide a more stable geometry, but the two front wheel steering increases their turning radius to over 50 in., which makes it difficult and sometimes impossible,

13 for example, to negotiate the entry to urban buses. Most of these scooters are also not equipped with designated attachment points according to WC-19, resulting in unsafe securement. Oversized 4-wheel scooters were developed for the outdoor environment and are also used as a substitute for persons who cannot drive their car anymore. These scooters have four large wheels and can negotiate modest uneven terrain. They are powered by batteries, exceed a length up to 54 in. and have a turning radius of 64 in. and can weigh between 200 and 300 lbs. They cannot be accommodated on most public trans- portation vehicles, except a few paratransit vehicles. Most of these scooters are not equipped with designated attachment points according to WC-19, resulting in unsafe securement. Non Transportable Mobility Devices There are models of wheeled mobility devices on the mar- ket, specifically designed for outdoor use. However their size, turning radius, and weight exceed the footprints of wheeled mobility aids that are used indoors. These models are either 3-wheel or 4-wheel scooters and may be used in place of a car and cannot be transported on public transportation modes. Two examples are shown in the Figure 1. Wheeled Walkers The walkers are built of lightweight materials, have four small casters, a seat and hand brakes. They can sometimes be lifted by their occupants to get over small obstacles, but need even surfaces due to their small casters. Occupants with walkers typically transfer to a seat when using public transportation. Other Devices Table 7 shows the footprint of other types of devices. Figure 1. 3- and 4-wheeled mobility devices designed for outdoor use only. (Source: X-Treme Scooters; http://electricbikeandscooterstore.com/ebssxtreme420.htm.) 25” (635) x 30” (710 mm) 31.5” (800 mm) – 36.25” (920 mm) width 47.25” (1200 mm) width Person using walker Person using crutches Person with guide dog Source Illustrations: CAN/CSA B651 Table 7. Footprints from other types of mobility aids.

14 Mobility Device Weights with Different Occupant Weights Mobility Devices—Weight and Dimensions This section discusses the trends in weights and dimensions of wheeled mobility devices, and is supported by anthro- pometry studies conducted in North America and the United Kingdom. The Idea Center at the University of Buffalo has com- pleted a significant evidence-based research study for the US Access Board. Its final report “The Anthropometry of Wheeled Mobility” has a number of findings that are directly relevant to the use of WhMDs on paratransit vehicles and buses. Of particular significance are the findings in the study that sug- gest that a number of participants in the study would not be accommodated by the current U.S. standards for clear floor space, especially in length [Steinfeld, et al. 2010]. The results of this study produced similar results to those observed in the United Kingdom. Table 8 shows the weight of occupied WhMD in a sample of 135 mobility device users [D’Souza, 2012]. Table 9 shows the mass/weights of different mobility devices with occupants in kilogram and lbs. The 95 percentile weight for most of the occupied mobility devices meet the current regulations. However the maximum for the powered wheeled mobility devices exceed 600 pounds. Table 10 shows a comparison of wheeled mobility device dimensions that are based on manufacturers’ specifica- tions. The imperial measurements have been rounded up or down to the next quarter inch; weights to the next quar- ter pound. Figures 2 through 4 are from the IDeA Center— Anthropometry Study [Steinfeld, 2010]. These illustrate the standards from various countries and the mean, 80th, 90th and 95th percentile as well as the maximum for unoccupied and occupied wheeled mobility devices. Device Type Survey Year Mean kg/lbs. Min kg/lbs. Max kg/lbs. 5%ile kg/lbs. 50%ile kg/lbs. 95%ile kg/lbs. Self Propelled 1999 96.0 211.2 46.6 102.52 184.4 405.68 67.2 147.84 93.0 204.6 131.4 289.08 2005 99.7 219.34 50.0 110.00 197.2 433.84 65.6 144.32 97.0 213.4 145.2 319.44 Aendant Propelled 1999 89.0 195.8 58.0 127.6 181.0 398.2 68.0 149.6 83.0 182.6 127.0 279.4 2005 91.9 202.18 36.8 80.96 185.6 408.32 58.2 128.04 88.4 194.48 136.7 300.74 Electric Wheelchair 1999 168.0 369.6 94.0 206.8 384.0 844.80 116.0 255.2 158.8 349.36 258.0 567.6 2005 180.1 396.22 90.6 199.32 326.2 717.64 114.8 252.56 171.6 377.52 273.4 601.48 Electric Scooter 1999 166.0 365.2 79.0 173.8 314.0 690.8 109.0 239.8 159.2 350.24 222.0 488.4 2005 162.5 357.5 86.6 190.52 338.6 744.92 108.0 237.6 149.8 329.56 258.4 568.48 All Chairs 1999 120.5 265.1 47.0 103.4 384.0 844.8 70.0 154.0 108.0 237.6 206.0 453.2 2005 130.7 287.54 36.8 80.96 338.6 744.92 67.0 147.4 118.4 260.48 230.2 506.44 [Source: UK Survey of Occupied Wheelchairs, 2005] Table 9. Comparison of mass/weights of adult device & occupant, from 1999 and 2005 (kg/lbs.). Type N Mean Minimum 5th 10th 50th 90th 95th Maximum Manual 72 225.2 125 143.6 158.6 217.6 296.2 350.9 488 Power 54 422.1 228 251.8 305.5 420.3 562.6 591.3 642 Scooter 9 408 260 396 660 Table 8. Weight (lbs.) of occupied wheeled mobility devices (N  135).

15 Table 10. Equipment dimensions based on: ISO 7176-2009; US ICC/ANSI A117.1; Canada CAN/CSA B651-04; UK BS8300:2001; manufacturer’s products specs. (continued on next page) Models Length Width Turning Clearance 90 degrees 180 degrees 360 degrees Weight Adult wheelchairs without occupants Manual standard – manufacturer specs Min.39.5” (1000 mm) Max. 51” (1300 mm) Min. 21.25” (540 mm) Max. 26” (660 mm) 59” (1500 mm) Min. 24 lbs (11 kg) Max. 48 lbs. (22 kg) Standards – wheelchair floor space: ISO 47.25” (1200 mm) 27.5” (700 mm) UK 51” (1300 mm) 29.5” (750 mm) 59” (1500 mm) 59” (1500 mm) Canada 47.25” (1200 mm) 29.5” 31.5” (750 800 mm with person) 36.25” (920 mm) 59” (1500 mm) 59” (1500 mm) US 48” (1220 mm) 30” (760 mm) 36” (915 mm) 60” (1525 mm) 60” (1525 mm) Sports chair standard (does not include racing sport chairs) Min. 22.5” (570 mm) Max. 25.5” (650 mm) Min.22.75” (580 mm) Max.26.75” (680 mm) Min. 14.5– 21 lbs. (6.6–9.5 kg) Power chair Min.34.5” (880 mm) Max. 43.25” (1100 mm) Min.20.5” (520 mm) Max.24” (610 mm) 30” (760 mm) 40” (1020 mm) 88.5” (2250 mm) 88.5” (2250 mm) 213 lbs.– 242 lbs. (97 110 kg with baeries) Mobility scooters with person (without front or rear accessories) Large 4 wheel Min.44” (1118 mm) Max.56” + (1422 mm) 25.5” (650 mm) Min.42” (1070 mm) Max. 84.5” (2150 mm) 124” (3150 mm) 124” (3150 mm) 4300 mm 138.5 lbs.– 286 lbs. (63–130 kg) Person with Guide dog 47.25” (1200 mm) Dog weight: 26.5.–44 lbs. 44 lbs. (12–20 kg) Space for large dog 950 mm 15.75” × 13.75” (400 mm width × 350 mm height when laying down) Person with Walker 25” (635 mm) Person with Crutches 36.5” (930 mm)

16 Securement Environment The level of securement and the operating environment encountered by people who use WhMDs depends on the characteristics of the transport vehicle. As discussed in other sections, WhMDs and occupants will all react differently to applied forces or loads. This section discusses the findings of the securement environment as a function of the transport vehicle and not the WhMD. For this study the securement environment has been char- acterized in general terms by the longitudinal forces encoun- tered during severe operating and some crash (conditions) situations. There are three different securement environ- ments that are a function of the type of transport vehicle. These are characterized by 1 g, 3 g, and 20 g, where “g” refers to an acceleration or deceleration of 32.2 feet per second2 (9.81 meters per second2). This illustrates a disconnect with previous research. Research has shown that large massive transport vehicles experience accelerations of 3 g or less in crash scenarios and in extreme maneuvering the accelera- tions for all vehicles is less than 1 g. For this study the trans- port vehicle is characterized by the “g” force. The design basis for securement in large Bus Rapid Transit Vehicles, where the curb weight exceeds 35,000 GVW and the possibility of a head on crash is substantially lower is suggested to be 1 g. For vehicles between 25,000 and 30,000, this is increased to 3 g and for any transport vehicle with a GVW less than 25,000 pounds it is 20 g. For some large paratransit type vehicles this is excessive, however, paratransit operators may also use small minivans which certainly require the use of securement systems that operate in the 20 g range. The 3 g environment has been successfully applied for large mass/weight vehicles with a rear-facing system in Europe and Canada for over 20 years. Performance tests carried out by Transport Canada in 2008 confirmed that it is safe to trans- port persons in different mobility devices onboard large low floor buses in a rear-facing position [Rutenberg U. et al. 2007; Zaworski, J., et al. 2007]. The 20 g environment applies for small, low mass/weight vehicles under GVW of 30 000 lbs. The US DOT Standards for Accessible Vehicles, differential the required design load based on GVW of 30,000 pounds, but this does not reflect actual vehi- cle accelerations and decelerations. This is very conservative for vehicles in the 25,000 to 30,000 GVW range. The ADA differ- entiates securement requirements for number and orientation based on the length of the vehicle, and 22 feet in length is the break point. For vehicles less than 22 feet, the securement orien- tation may be either forward or rearward facing, for vehicles lon- ger than 22 feet at least one of the securement orientations must be forward facing. It is typical to use forward facing securement and passenger occupant restraint in compliance with WC-19 to protect the passenger using a mobility device. Forward facing systems with the use of two belt straps in the front and two at the rear take up considerable space due to the location of the anchor points on the floor. This has an impact on the number of passengers that can be accommodated. Table 11 shows three different types of securement systems and the transport vehicles that they are used on. Table 10. (Continued). Models Length Width Turning Clearance 90 degrees 180 degrees 360 degrees Weight Obese Persons Up to 29.5” (750 mm) Up to 440 lbs. (200 kg) (est.) Strollers plus person Single 57.5” (1460 mm) 20.75” (530 mm) Single Jogger 75.5” (1920 mm) 24” (610 mm) Twin side by side 58.75” (1490 mm) 27.5” (700 mm) Twin Tandem 75.5” (1920 mm) 24” (610 mm) Triple side by side 72.75” (1850 mm) 43.25” (1100 mm) Triple Tandem 90.5” (2300 mm) 23.75” (600 mm)

17 Data Source Sample Size Min 5%ile Mean 80%ile 90%ile 95%ile Max BS8300:2001,U.K. Manual chairs self propelled 54 700 1090 1124 1200 Power chairs 27 700 1160 1190 1400 Manual and Power chairs* 81 700 1110 1170 1400 Electric scooters 5 1170 1500 IDeA Center, U.S. Manual chairs 276 686 774 1012 1169 1223 1264 1600 Power chairs 189 681 900 1117 1244 1297 1340 1669 Scooters 30 1025 1035 1208 1283 1369 1435 1439 All Device Types* 495 681 795 1065 1204 1265 1318 1669 * Indicates data plotted in the graph. [Steinfeld, 2010]. Figure 2. Unoccupied wheeled mobility device lengths (mm) versus U.S. standards [Steinfeld, 2010].

18 Data Source Sample Size Min 5%ile Mean 80%ile 90%ile 95%ile Max Seeger et al., AUS All Device Types* 240 690 820 890 BS8300:2001,U.K. Manual chairs self propelled 54 560 696 720 800 Power chairs 27 560 750 760 800 Manual and Power chairs* 81 560 720 750 800 Scooters 5 630 700 IDeA Center, U.S. Manual chairs 276 508 595 685 725 761 786 992 Power chairs 189 574 607 707 765 802 827 1008 Scooters 30 488 516 643 732 810 837 857 All Device Types* 495 488 595 691 742 780 818 1008 * Indicates data plotted in the graph. [Steinfeld, 2010]. Figure 3. Clear floor width (mm) (occupied): research versus standards [Steinfeld, 2010].

19 Data Source Sample Size Min 5%ile Mean 80%ile 90%ile 95%ile Max Seeger et al., AUS All Device Types* 240 1170 1480 1750 UDI, Canada Power chairs and scooters* 50 820 1168 2030 DfT, U.K. Self PropelledWheelchair 458 776 864 1068 1254 1534 Aendant Propelled Wheelchair 106 951 1003 1123 1344 1375 Electric Wheelchair 294 633 955 1142 1339 1604 Electric Scooter 240 828 956 1168 1416 1503 All Device Types* 1098 633 893 1113 1339 1604 IDeA Center, U.S. Manual chairs 276 743 934 1150 1255 1314 1362 1625 Power chairs 189 831 977 1196 1313 1360 1415 1708 Scooters 30 1025 1035 1208 1283 1369 1435 1439 All Device Types* 495 743 960 1171 1280 1340 1386 1708 * Indicates data plotted in the graph. [Steinfeld, 2010]. Figure 4. Clear floor length (mm) compared (occupied length) research versus standards [Steinfeld, 2010].

20 Vehicle Type Large Vehicle environment 3 g environment 20 g environment Paratransit vehicles, Less than 30 000 lbs. GVW Forward facing, e down, occupant restraint WC19 Rearward facing with padded barrier Small vehicles, taxis, personal vehicles, vans; less than 30 000 lbs. GVW Forward facing, e down, occupant restraint WC19 Rearward facing with padded barrier Fixed route large buses over; 30 000 lbs. and more GVW Rear facing, with aisle side containment device; BRTs in the US also require a forward facing securement system, when using rear facing is provided Very large vehicles over 35 000 lbs. and more GVW Side facing, with aisle side containment device (not approved) Table 11. Three securement environments.