Table of Contents

Chapter 1: Application and Administration

T101   Purpose

T102   Conventions

T103   Definitions

Chapter 2: Scoping Requirements

T201   General

T202   Accessible Means of Boarding and Alighting

T203   Steps

T204   Doorways

T205   Illumination

T206   Handrails, Stanchions, and Handholds

T207   Circulation Paths

T208   Passenger Access Routes

T209   Fare Collection Devices

T210   Wheelchair Spaces

T211   Wheelchair Securement Systems

T212   Seat Belts and Shoulder Belts

T213   Seats

T214   Operable Parts

T215   Communication Features

Chapter 3: Building Blocks

T301   General

T302   Walking Surfaces

T303   Handrails, Stanchions, and Handholds

T304   Operable Parts

Chapter 4: Boarding and Alighting

T401   General

T402   Ramps and Bridgeplates

T403   Lifts

T404   Level Boarding and Alighting

T405   Steps

Chapter 5: Doorways, Passenger Access Routes, and Fare Collection Devices

T501   General

T502   Doorways

T503   Illumination

T504   Passenger Access Routes

T505   Fare Collection Devices

Chapter 6: Wheelchair Spaces and Securement Systems

T601   General

T602   Wheelchair Spaces

T603   Wheelchair Securement Systems

T604   Stowage

T605   Seat Belts and Shoulder Belts

Chapter 7: Communication Features

T701   General

T702   Signs

T703   International Symbol of Accessibility

T704   Announcement Systems

Chapter 1: Application and Administration

T101   Purpose

T101.1   Purpose. These Non-Rail Vehicle Guidelines, which consist of Chapters 1 through 7, contain scoping and technical requirements for new, used or remanufactured non-rail vehicles to ensure their accessibility to, and usability by, individuals with disabilities. The Non-Rail Vehicle Guidelines apply to the extent required by regulations issued by the Department of Transportation under the Americans with Disabilities Act, as amended (42 U.S.C. 12101 et seq.).

T102   Conventions

T102.1   Calculation of Percentages. Where the determination of the required size or dimension of an element involves ratios or percentages, rounding down for values less than one half shall be permitted.

T102.2   Units of Measurement. Measurements are stated in U.S. and metric customary units. The values stated in each system (U.S. and metric customary units) may not be exact equivalents, and each system shall be used independently of the other.

T102.3   Vehicle Length. The length of non-rail vehicles shall be measured from standard bumper to standard bumper.

T103   Definitions

T103.1   Terms Defined in Referenced Standards. Terms defined in referenced standards and not defined in T103.4 shall have the meaning as defined in the referenced standards.

T103.2   Undefined Terms. Terms not specifically defined in T103.4 or in regulations issued by the Department of Transportation (49 CFR part 37) shall be given their ordinarily accepted meaning in the sense that the context implies.

T103.3   Interchangeability. Words, terms, and phrases used in the singular include the plural; and words, terms, and phrases used in the plural include the singular.

T103.4   Defined Terms. For the purpose of the Non-Rail Vehicle Guidelines, the following terms have the indicated meaning.

Boarding platform. A platform in a level boarding bus system raised above standard curb height in order to align vertically with the transit vehicle entry for level boarding and alighting.

Fixed route service (or fixed route). Operation of a non-rail vehicle along a prescribed route according to a fixed schedule.

Large transit entity. A provider of public transportation that is required to report to the National Transportation Database (49 U.S.C. 5335), and that, for an any given calendar year, reports to such database the operation of 100 or more buses in annual maximum service for all fixed-route service bus modes collectively, through either direct operation or purchased transportation.

Large non-rail vehicle. Non-rail vehicles that are more than 25 feet (7.6 m) in length.

Level boarding bus system. A system in which buses operate where some or all of the designated stops have boarding platforms and the design of boarding platforms and non-rail vehicles are coordinated to provide boarding having little or no change in level between the vehicle floor and the boarding platform.

Non-rail vehicle. A self-propelled, rubber-tired vehicle used to provide transportation services and intended for use on city streets, highways, or busways that constitutes either a bus, over-the-road bus, or van.

Operable part. A component of a device or system used to insert or withdraw objects, or to activate, deactivate, adjust, or connect to the device or system. Operable parts include, but are not limited to, buttons, levers, knobs, smart card targets, coin and card slots, pull-cords, jacks, data ports, electrical outlets, and touchscreens.

Small non-rail vehicle. Non-rail vehicles that are equal to or less than 25 feet (7.6 m) in length.

Surface discontinuities. Differences in level between two adjacent surfaces. Elevation changes due to ramps or stairs do not, themselves, constitute surface discontinuities. However, abrupt changes in level on the walking surface of ramps or stairs are surface discontinuities.

Chapter 2: Scoping Requirements

T201   Scope

T201.1   General. Non-rail vehicles purchased, leased or remanufactured by entities covered by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) shall comply with the requirements in the Non-Rail Vehicle Guidelines to the extent required by regulations issued by the Department of Transportation in 49 CFR Part 37.

T201.2   Reduction in Access Prohibited. No modifications to a non-rail vehicle shall be taken that decrease, or have the effect of decreasing, the net accessibility or usability of the vehicle below the requirements of the Non-Rail Vehicle Guidelines.

T202   Accessible Means of Boarding and Alighting

T202.1   General. Non-rail vehicles shall provide at least one means of accessible boarding and alighting that serves each designated stop on the fixed route to which the vehicle is assigned. Non-rail vehicles shall also provide at least one means of accessible boarding and alighting that can be deployed to the roadway. Provision of accessible boarding and alighting shall be made through one or more of the following methods: ramps or bridgeplates complying with T402, lifts complying with T403, or a means of level boarding and alighting complying with T404.

T203   Steps

T203.1   General. Steps on non-rail vehicles shall comply with T405.

T204   Doorways

T204.1   General. Doorways on non-rail vehicles shall comply with T204.

T204.2   Doorways with Lifts, Ramps or Bridgeplates. Doorways with lifts or ramps shall comply with T502.2.

T204.3   Doorways with Level Boarding and Alighting. Doorways with level boarding and alighting shall comply with T502.3.

T204.4   Doorways with Steps on Over-the-Road Buses. On over-the-road-buses, doorways with steps shall comply with T502.4.

T205   Illumination

T205.1   General. Non-rail vehicles shall provide illumination complying with T503 at ramps, bridgeplates, doorways, and boarding and alighting areas.

T206   Circulation Paths

T206.1   General. Circulation paths in non-rail vehicles shall comply with T302.

T207   Handrails, Stanchions, and Handholds

T207.1   General. Non-rail vehicles shall provide handrails, stanchions, and handholds in accordance with T207. Handrails, stanchions, and handholds shall comply with T303.

T207.2   Passenger Doorways. Handrails or stanchions shall be provided at passenger doorways in a configuration that permits grasping and use from outside the non-rail vehicle and throughout the boarding and alighting process.

T207.3   Fare Collection Devices. Handrails shall be provided at fare collection devices and shall be configured so that they can be used for support when at the fare collection device.

T207.4   Circulation Paths. Handrails, stanchions, and handholds shall be provided along circulation paths in accordance with T207.4.

T207.4.1.   Small vehicles. Handrails, stanchions, or handholds shall be provided within small non-rail vehicles in a configuration that permits onboard circulation and assistance with seating and standing.

T207.4.2.   Large vehicles. Handholds or stanchions shall be provided within large non-rail vehicles on all forward- and rear-facing seat backs located directly adjacent to the aisle.

Exception: Where high-back seats are provided, handrails located overhead or on overhead luggage racks shall be permitted instead of stanchions or handholds.

T208   Passenger Access Routes

T208.1   General. Non-rail vehicles shall provide passenger access routes that permit boarding and alighting, onboard circulation, and seating by passengers with disabilities. A passenger access route shall consist of a route complying with T208.2 between wheelchair spaces and doorways, walking surfaces complying with T302, and clearances complying with T504.

T208.2   Connection to Doorways. A passenger access route shall connect each wheelchair space to doorways that provide a means of accessible boarding and alighting in accordance with T208.2.

T208.2.1   Doorways on One Side of vehicle. Where non-rail vehicles have doorways on one side, a passenger access route shall connect each wheelchair space to a doorway that provides a means of accessible boarding and alighting in accordance with T202.

T208.2.2   Doorways on Two Sides of vehicle. Where non-rail vehicles have doorways on two sides, a passenger access route shall connect each wheelchair space to doorways on both sides of the vehicle that provide a means of accessible boarding and alighting in accordance with T202.

T208.2.3   Deployment to Roadway. A passenger access route shall connect each wheelchair space to a doorway providing a means of accessible boarding and alighting that can be deployed to the roadway in accordance with T202.

T209   Fare Collection Devices

T209.1   General. Where non-rail vehicles provide onboard fare collection devices, at least one fare collection device shall serve a passenger access route and comply with T505.

T210   Wheelchair Spaces

T210.1   General. Non-rail vehicles shall provide wheelchair spaces in accordance with T210.

T210.2   Large non-rail vehicles. Large non-rail vehicles shall provide at least two wheelchair spaces complying with T602.

T210.3   Small non-rail vehicles. Small non-rail vehicles shall provide at least one wheelchair space complying with T602.

T210.4   Location. Wheelchair spaces shall be located as near as practicable to doorways that provide a means of accessible boarding and alighting.

T211   Wheelchair Securement Systems

T211.1   General. Non-rail vehicles shall provide wheelchair securement systems complying with T603 at each wheelchair space.

T212   Seat Belts and Shoulder Belts

T212.1   General. Non-rail vehicles shall provide seat belts and shoulder belts complying with T605 at each wheelchair space.

T213   Seats

T213.1   General. Seats on non-rail vehicles shall comply with T213.

T213.2   Priority Seats. Non-rail vehicles operated in fixed-route service shall designate at least two seats as priority seats for passengers with disabilities. Priority seats shall be located as near as practicable to a doorway used for boarding and alighting. Where non-rail vehicles provide both aisle-facing and forward-facing seats, at least one of the priority seats shall be a forward-facing seat.

T213.3   Armrests at Aisle Seats on Over-the-Road Buses. Where armrests are provided on the aisle side of seats on over-the-road buses, folding or removable armrests shall be provided on the aisle side of at least 50 percent of aisle seats. Priority seats and moveable or removable seats permitted by T602.4.1 at wheelchair spaces shall be included among the fifty percent of seats with folding or removable armrests.

T214   Operable Parts

T214.1   General. Where provided for passenger use, operable parts at wheelchair spaces and priority seats, stop request systems, and fare collection devices serving passenger access routes shall comply with T304.

T215   Communication Features

T215.1   General. Communication features on non-rail vehicles shall comply with T215.

T215.2   Signs. Signs shall comply with 215.2.

T215.2.1   Priority Seats. Priority seats shall be identified by signs informing other passengers to make the seats available for persons with disabilities. Signs at priority seats shall comply with T702.

T215.2.2   Wheelchair Spaces. Wheelchair spaces shall be identified by the International Symbol of Accessibility complying with T703.

T215.2.3   Doorways. Doorways that provide a means of accessible boarding and alighting shall be identified on the exterior of the non-rail vehicle by the International Symbol of Accessibility complying with T703.

T215.2.4   Destination and Route Signs. Where destination or route signs are provided on the exterior of non-rail vehicles, such signs shall be located at a minimum on the front and boarding sides of the vehicle. The signs shall be illuminated and comply with T702.

T215.3.   Public Address and Stop Request Systems. Large non-rail vehicles that operate in fixed route service with multiple designated stops shall provide public address and stop request systems in accordance with T215.3.

T215.3.1   Public Address Systems. Public address systems shall be provided within non-rail vehicles to announce stops and other passenger information.

T215.3.2   Stop Request Systems. Where non-rail vehicles stop on passenger request, stop request systems complying with T704.3 shall be provided.

T215.4   Automated Announcement Systems. Large non-rail vehicles operated in fixed route service with multiple designated stops by large transit entities shall provide automated stop announcement systems and automated route identification systems in accordance with T215.4.

T215.4.1   Automated Stop Announcement Systems. Automated stop announcement systems shall comply with T704.3.1.

T215.4.2   Automated Route Identification Systems. Automated route identification systems shall comply with T704.3.2.

Chapter 3: Building Blocks

T301   General

T301.1   Scope. The requirements in Chapter 3 shall apply where required by Chapter 2 or where otherwise referenced in any other chapter of the Non-Rail Vehicle Guidelines.

T302   Walking Surfaces

T302.1   General. Walking surfaces in non-rail vehicles shall comply with T302.

Exception: Walking surfaces on lifts shall not be required to comply with T302.

T302.2   Slip Resistant. Walking surfaces shall be slip resistant.

T302.3   Openings. Openings in walking surfaces shall not allow the passage of a sphere more than 5⁄8 inch (16 mm) in diameter. Elongated openings shall be placed so that the long dimension is perpendicular to the dominant direction of travel.

Exceptions: 1. Wheelchair securement system components affixed to walking surfaces shall be permitted to have openings 7⁄8 inch (22 mm) maximum in width provided that, where such openings are more than 5⁄8 inch (16 mm) in width, they contrast visually with the rest of the walking surface either light-on-dark or dark-on-light.

2. Ramp and bridgeplate surfaces shall be permitted to have one opening 11⁄2 inches (38 mm) maximum in width and 41⁄2 inches (115 mm) maximum in length to allow the operator to grasp the ramp or bridgeplate for manual operation.

T302.4   Surface Discontinuities. Surface discontinuities shall be 1⁄2 inch (13 mm) high maximum and shall be beveled with a slope not steeper than 1:2.

Exceptions: 1. Surface discontinuities 1⁄4 inch (6.4 mm) high maximum shall not be required to be beveled.

2. Steps complying with T405 shall be permitted on walking surfaces that are not part of a passenger access route.

T303   Handrails, Stanchions, and Handholds

T303.1   General. Handrails, stanchions, and handholds in non-rail vehicles shall comply with T303.

T303.2   Edges. Edges shall be rounded or eased.

T303.3   Cross Section. Gripping surfaces shall have a cross section complying with T303.3.

T303.3.1   Seat-Back Handhold Cross Section. The cross section of seat-back handholds shall have an outside diameter of 7⁄8 inches (22 mm) minimum and 2 inches (50 mm) maximum.

T303.3.2   Handrail and Stanchion Circular Cross Section. Handrails and stanchions with a circular cross section shall have an outside diameter of 11⁄4 inches (32 mm) minimum and 2 inches (50 mm) maximum.

T303.3.3   Handrail and Stanchion Non-Circular Cross Section. Handrails and stanchions with a non-circular cross section shall have a perimeter dimension of 4 inches (100 mm) minimum and 61⁄4 inches (160 mm) maximum, and a cross section dimension of 21⁄4 inches (57 mm) maximum.

T303.4   Clearance. Clearance between gripping surfaces and adjacent surfaces shall be 11⁄2 inches (38 mm) minimum.

T304   Operable Parts

T304.1   General. Operable parts in non-rail vehicles shall comply with T304.

T304.2   Height. Operable parts shall be located 24 inches (610 mm) minimum and 48 inches (1220 mm) maximum above the floor of non-rail vehicles.

T304.3   Location. Operable parts provided at a wheelchair space shall be located adjacent to the wheelchair space 24 inches (610 mm) minimum and 36 inches (915 mm) maximum from the rear of the wheelchair space measured horizontally.

T304.4   Operation. Operable parts shall be operable with one hand and shall not require tight grasping, pinching, or twisting of the wrist. The force required to activate operable parts shall be 5 lbf (22.2 N) maximum.

Chapter 4: Boarding and Alighting

T401   General

T401.1   Scope. The requirements in Chapter 4 shall apply where required by Chapter 2 or where otherwise referenced in any other chapter of the Non-Rail Vehicle Guidelines.

T402   Ramps and Bridgeplates

T402.1   General. Ramps and bridgeplates shall comply with T402. Ramps and bridgeplates shall be permitted to fold or telescope.

T402.2   Design Load. Ramps and bridgeplates 30 inches (760 mm) or more in length shall be designed to support a load of 600 pounds (273 kg) minimum, placed at the centroid of the ramp distributed over an area of 26 inches by 26 inches. The design load of ramps and bridgeplates less than 30 inches (760 mm) in length shall be 300 pounds (136 kg) minimum. The factor of safety for ramps and bridgeplates shall be 3 or more, based on the ultimate strength of the material.

T402.3   Installation and Operation. When used for boarding and alighting, ramps and bridgeplates shall be firmly attached to the non-rail vehicle to prevent displacement. Ramps and bridgeplates provided on large non-rail vehicles shall be permanently installed and power operated.

Exception: Ramps and bridgeplates on large non-rail vehicles that serve only designated stops with boarding platforms providing level boarding and alighting shall not be required to be permanently attached and power operated provided that portable ramps or bridgeplates capable of deployment to the roadway are carried onboard.

T402.4   Emergency Operation. Power-operated ramps and bridgeplates shall be capable of manual operation in the event of a power failure.

T402.5   Surfaces. Ramp and bridgeplate surface material shall comply with T302 and extend across the full width and length of the ramp or bridgeplate.

T402.6   Clear Width. The clear width of ramps and bridgeplates shall be 30 inches (760 mm) minimum.

T402.7   Edge Guards. Ramps and bridgeplates shall provide edge guards continuously along each side of the ramp or bridgeplate to within 3 inches (75 mm) of the end of the ramp or bridgeplate that is deployed furthest from the non-rail vehicle. Edge guards shall be 2 inches (51 mm) high minimum above the ramp or bridgeplate surface.

T402.8   Running Slope. The maximum running slope of ramps and bridgeplates shall comply with T402.8.1 or T402.8.2.

T402.8.1   Deployment to Roadways or to Curb Height Boarding and Alighting Areas. The running slope of ramps and bridgeplates used for deployment to the roadway or to curb-height boarding and alighting areas shall be 1:6 maximum, as measured to ground level with the non-rail vehicle resting on a flat surface.

T402.8.2   Deployment to Boarding Platforms. The running slope of ramps and bridgeplates used for deployment to platforms shall be 1:8 maximum, as measured to the boarding platform with the non-rail vehicle resting on a flat surface.

T402.9   Transitions. Vertical surface discontinuities at transitions from boarding and alighting areas to ramps and bridgeplates shall comply with T302.4.

T402.10   Visual Contrast. The perimeter of the walking surface on ramps and bridgeplates shall be marked by a stripe. The stripe shall be 1 inch (25 mm) wide minimum and shall contrast visually with the rest of the walking surface either light-on-dark or dark-on-light.

T402.11   Gaps. When ramps or bridgeplates are deployed for boarding and alighting, gaps between the ramp or bridgeplate surface and floor of non-rail vehicles shall not permit passage of a sphere more than 5⁄8 inch (16 mm) in diameter.

T402.12   Stowage. Where portable ramps and bridgeplates are permitted, a compartment, securement system, or other storage method shall be provided within the non-rail vehicle to stow such ramps and bridgeplates when not in use.

T403   Lifts

T403.1   General. Lifts shall comply with T403 and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS) for public use lifts at 49 CFR 571.403 and 571.404.

T403.2   Boarding Direction. Lift platforms shall be designed to permit passengers who use wheelchairs the option to board the platforms facing either toward or away from the non-rail vehicle.

T404   Level Boarding and Alighting

T404.1   General. Boarding and alighting at boarding platforms in level boarding bus systems shall comply with T404.

T404.2   Vehicle Floor and Boarding Platform Coordination. The design of non-rail vehicles shall be coordinated with the boarding platforms to minimize the gap between the vehicle floor and the boarding platforms.

T404.3   Ramps and Bridgeplates. Where the space between the floor of non-rail vehicles and a boarding platform is greater than 2 inches (51 mm) horizontally or 5/8 inch (16 mm) vertically when measured at 50 percent passenger load with the vehicle at rest, non-rail vehicles shall provide ramps or bridgeplates complying with T402.

T405   Steps

T405.1   General. Steps shall comply with T405.

T405.2   Surfaces. Step tread surfaces shall comply with T302.

T405.3   Visual Contrast. The outer edge of step treads shall be marked by a stripe. The stripe shall be 1 inch (25 mm) wide minimum and shall contrast visually with the rest of the step tread or circulation path surface either light-on-dark or dark-on-light.

Chapter 5: Doorways, Circulation Paths and Fare Collection Devices

T501   General

T501.1   Scope. The requirements in Chapter 5 shall apply where required by Chapter 2 or where otherwise referenced in any other chapter of the Non-Rail Vehicle Guidelines.

T502   Doorways

T502.1   General. Doorways in non-rail vehicles shall comply with T502.

T502.2   Doorways with Lifts, Ramps or Bridgeplates. The vertical clearance at doorways with lifts, ramps or bridgeplates shall comply with T502.2. Vertical clearance shall be measured from the inside finished edge of the door opening to the highest point of the deployed lift, ramp or bridgeplate below.

T502.2.1   Over-the-Road Buses. For over-the-road buses, the vertical clearance at doorways shall be 65 inches (1650 mm) minimum.

T502.2.2   Other Vehicles. For other non-rail vehicles, the vertical clearance at doorways shall be 56 inches (1420 mm) minimum on small non-rail vehicles and 68 inches (1725 mm) on large non-rail vehicles.

T502.3   Doorways with Level Boarding. Doorways on non-rail vehicles designed for level boarding bus systems shall comply with T502.3.

T502.3.1   Clear Width. Doorways shall provide a clear opening of 32 inches (810 mm) minimum.

T502.3.2   Thresholds. Thresholds at doorways shall be marked by a stripe. The stripe shall be 1 inch (25 mm) wide minimum and contrast with the rest of the walking surface either light-on-dark or dark-on-light.

T502.4   Doorways with Steps on Over-the-Road Buses. On over-the-road buses, doorways with steps shall provide an opening with a clear width of 30 inches (760 mm) minimum.

Exceptions: 1. The door opening clear width above a height of 48 inches (1220 mm) measured from the lowest step tread shall be permitted to taper so as to reduce in width to 18 inches (457 mm) minimum.

2. Where compliance with T502.4 is not structurally feasible, the door opening clear width shall be permitted to be 27 in (685 mm) minimum.

3. Hinges and other door mechanisms shall be permitted to protrude 4 inches (100 mm) maximum into the door opening clear width at or below 48 inches (1220 mm) in height measured from the lowest step tread.

T503   Illumination

T503.1   General. Illumination shall be provided at ramps, bridgeplates, doorways, and boarding and alighting areas in accordance with T503. Lights shall be shielded so as not to project directly into the eyes of entering and exiting passengers.

T503.2   Ramps and Bridgeplates. When ramps or bridgeplates are deployed, the walking surface shall be lighted with 2 foot-candles (22 lux) minimum of illumination.

T503.3   Steps at Front Doorways. The walking surface on steps serving the front doorway of non-rail vehicles shall be lighted with 2 foot-candles (22 lux) minimum of illumination when the vehicle doors are open.

T503.4   Steps at Other Doorways. The walking surface on steps serving all other non-rail vehicle doorways shall be lighted at all times with 2 foot-candles (22 lux) minimum of illumination.

T503.5   Exterior Illumination for Boarding and Alighting Areas. Exterior lighting shall be provided to illuminate walking surfaces of boarding and alighting areas when the doors of non-rail vehicles are open. Where doorways have steps, the illumination shall be 1 foot-candle (11 lux) minimum for a distance of 3 feet (915 mm) measured beyond the outside edge of the doorway or bottom step tread. Where doorways have ramps, bridgeplates or lifts, the illumination shall be 1 foot-candle (11 lux) minimum for a distance of 3 feet (915 mm) measured beyond the edge of the ramp, bridgeplate or lift farthest from the non-rail vehicle.

T504   Passenger Access Routes

T504.1   General. Passenger access routes shall provide clearances that are sufficient to permit passengers using wheelchairs to move between wheelchair spaces and doorways that provide accessible boarding and alighting, and to enter and exit wheelchair spaces.

T505   Fare Collection Devices

T505.1   General. Fare collection devices in non-rail vehicles shall comply with T505.

T505.2   Location. Fare collection devices shall be located so as not to interfere with wheelchair movement along passenger access routes.

T505.3   Location of Operable Parts. Operable parts shall be located so that they are reachable by passengers using wheelchair when parked in a clear space 30 inches (760 mm) wide minimum and 48 inches (1220 mm) long minimum. Operable parts shall be located adjacent to the toe end of the clear space or shall be located no more than 10 inches (255 mm) measured from the centerline of the long dimension of the clear space.

Chapter 6: Wheelchair Spaces and Securement Systems

T601   General

T601.1   Scope. The requirements in Chapter 6 shall apply where required by Chapter 2 or where otherwise referenced in any other chapter of the Non-Rail Vehicle Guidelines.

T602   Wheelchair Spaces

T602.1   General. Wheelchair spaces in non-rail vehicles shall comply with T602.

T602.2   Surfaces. Wheelchair space surfaces shall comply with T302.

T602.3   Approach. One full unobstructed side of each wheelchair space shall adjoin or overlap a passenger access route.

T602.4   Size. Wheelchair spaces shall be 30 inches (760 mm) minimum in width and 48 inches (1220 mm) minimum in length.

Exception: The portion of the wheelchair space occupied by wheelchair footrests shall be permitted to be located beneath another seat provided that space beneath the seat is 30 inches (760 mm) wide minimum, 9 inches (230 mm) high minimum, and 6 inches (150 mm) deep minimum.

T602. 5   Fold-Down or Removable Seats. Fold-down or removable seats shall be permitted in wheelchair spaces, provided that, when folded up or stowed, they do not obstruct the minimum size of the wheelchair space specified in T602.4.

T603   Wheelchair Securement Systems

T603.1   General. Wheelchair securement systems in non-rail vehicles, including attachments, shall comply with T603.

T603.2   Orientation. Wheelchair securement systems shall secure the wheelchair so that the occupant faces the front of the non-rail vehicle.

Exception: On large non-rail vehicles designed for use by both seated and standing passengers, rear-facing wheelchair securement systems shall be permitted provided that at least one wheelchair securement system is front facing.

T603.3   Design Load. Wheelchair securement systems shall comply with the design loads specified in T603.3.1 or T603.3.2, as applicable.

T603.3.1   Non-Rail Vehicles with Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Equal to or Greater than 30,000 lbs. On non-rail vehicles with a gross vehicle weight rating equal to or greater than 30,000 pounds (13,608 kg), wheelchair securement systems shall restrain a force in the forward longitudinal direction of 2,000 lbf (8,800 N) minimum for each wheelchair.

T603.3.2   Non-Rail Vehicles with Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Less than 30,000 lbs. On non-rail vehicles with a gross vehicle weight rating less than 30,000 pounds (13,608 kg), wheelchair securement systems shall restrain a force in the forward longitudinal direction of 5,000 lbf (22,000 N) minimum for each wheelchair.

T603.4   Movement. Wheelchair securement systems shall limit the movement of an occupied wheelchair to 2 inches (51 mm) maximum in any direction when secured in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions and when the non-rail vehicle is operating in normal conditions.

T603.5   Securement Systems for Rear-Facing Wheelchair Positions. Rear-facing wheelchair securement systems shall provide forward excursion barriers and padded head rests that comply with ISO 10865-1:2012(E), Wheelchair containment and occupant retention systems for accessible transport vehicles designed for use by both sitting and standing passengers—Part 1: Systems for rearward facing wheelchair-seated passengers, First Edition, June 5, 2012 [ISO Standard 10865-1:2012(E)]. ISO Standard 10865-1:2012(E) is incorporated by reference into this section with the approval of the Director of the Federal Register under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. To enforce any edition other than that specified in this section, a notice of change must be published in the Federal Register and the material must be made available to the public. All approved material is available for inspection at the U.S. Access Board, 1331 F Street NW., Suite 1000, Washington, DC 20004-1111, (202) 272-0080 (voice), (202) 272-0082 (TTY) and is available from the International Organization for Standardization, ISO Central Secretariat, 1, ch. de la Voie-Creuse, CP 56, CH-1211, Geneva 20, Switzerland (http://www.iso.org/iso/home/store.htm). It is also available for inspection at the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). For information on the availability of this material at NARA, call (202) 741-6030, or go to http://www.archives.gov/federal__register/code__of__federal__regulations/ibr__locations.html.

T604   Stowage

T604.1   General. When wheelchair securement systems are not in use, the systems shall not protrude into the wheelchair space except as provided in T603.5, and shall not interfere with passenger movement or pose a hazard. Wheelchair securement systems shall be reasonably protected from vandalism, and shall be readily accessed then needed for use.

T605   Seat Belts and Shoulder Belts

T605.1   General. Seat belts and shoulder belts provided for passengers who use wheelchairs shall comply with 49 CFR 571.209. Seat belts and shoulder belts shall not be used in place of wheelchair securement systems complying with T603.

Chapter 7:   Communication Features

T701   General

T701.1   Scope. The requirements in Chapter 7 shall apply where required by Chapter 2 or where otherwise referenced in any other chapter of the Non-Rail Vehicle Guidelines.

T702   Signs

T702.1   General. Signs on non-rail vehicles shall comply with T702.

T702.2   Character Style. Characters shall be displayed in sans serif fonts and shall not use italic, oblique, script, highly decorative, or other unusual forms.

T702.3   Character Proportions. Characters shall use fonts where the width of the uppercase letter “O” is 55 percent minimum and 110 percent maximum of the height of the uppercase letter “I”.

T702.4   Character Height. Character height shall comply with Table T702.4. Character height shall be based on the uppercase letter “I”.

T702.5   Stroke Thickness. Stroke thickness of the uppercase letter “I” shall be 10 percent minimum and 30 percent maximum of the height of the character.

T702.6   Character Spacing. Character spacing shall be measured between the two closest points of adjacent characters, excluding word spaces. Spacing between individual characters shall be 10 percent minimum and 35 percent maximum of character height.

T702.7   Line Spacing. Spacing between the baselines of separate lines of characters within a message shall be 135 percent minimum and 170 percent maximum of the character height.

T702.8   Contrast. Characters shall contrast with their background with either light characters on a dark background or dark characters on a light background. Where provided, protective surfaces over signs shall have a non-glare finish.

T703   International Symbol of Accessibility

T703.1   General. The International Symbol of Accessibility shall comply with Figure T703.1. The symbol shall have a background field height of 4 inches (100 mm) minimum. The symbol and its background shall have a non-glare finish. The symbol shall contrast with its background with either a light symbol on a dark background or a dark symbol on a light background.

Figure T703.1   International Symbol of Accessibility

T704   Announcement Systems

T704.1   General. Non-rail vehicles shall provide announcement systems in accordance with T704.

T704.2   Stop Request Systems. Stop request systems shall comply with T704.3.

T704.2.1   Audible and visible notification. Audible and visible notification shall be provided onboard indicating when passengers have requested to disembark at the next stop on the fixed route. Audible notifications shall be verbal or non-verbal signals and sound only once for each stop. Visible components of stop request systems shall include signs complying with T702, lights, or other visually perceptible indicators. Visible components shall illuminate or activate with a stop request, be viewable onboard from all wheelchair spaces and priority seats for passengers with disabilities, and extinguish when the doors open at a stop on non-rail vehicles.

T704.2.2   Operation. A mechanism for requesting stops shall be located at each wheelchair space and priority seat for passengers with disabilities. Operable parts on stop request systems shall comply with T304.

T704.3   Automated Announcement Systems. Automated systems for stop announcements and route identification announcements shall comply with T704.3.

T704.3.1   Automated Stop Announcements. Automated stop announcement systems shall provide audible and visible notification of upcoming stops on fixed routes. Stop announcements shall use synthesized, recorded or digitized speech and be audible within non-rail vehicles. Visible components of stop announcements shall consist of signs complying with T702. Signs shall be viewable onboard from all wheelchair spaces and priority seats for passengers with disabilities.

T704.3.2   Automated Route Identification Announcements. Automated route identification systems shall audibly and visibly identify the fixed route on which the non-rail vehicle is operating. Audible route identification announcements shall be broadcast externally at boarding and alighting areas using synthesized, recorded or digitized speech. Signs displaying route identification information shall be provided on the front and boarding sides of non-rail vehicles. Signs shall comply with T702.