Mobility Aids and Medical Equipment
Clients with sophisticated and complex mobility devices should attempt to assist or to provide any special instructions to the drivers when using Winnipeg Transit Plus.
Wheelchair Transport and Safety
Correct wheelchair securement is essential for the safety of all passengers. The method being used to secure wheelchairs is a Strap 4 Point Tie-down System.
To attain the best securement, it is recommended that the hook on the strap be attached at a 45-degree angle through the plain of the axle to the wheelchair.
For more information on safe travel, please review:
Wheelchair Users’ Responsibilities
- All wheelchairs must be maintained in a structurally sound condition at all times.
- All wheelchairs must have functioning brakes that will secure an unattended chair.
- All wheelchairs should be equipped with lap restraint belts to prevent the client from sliding out of the chair. This restraint belt is for postural use only and is not designed to be used as an occupant restraint system in vehicles. Clients with the lap restraint belt are still required to wear the seat belt equipped in the vehicle.
- Hand-grips on escort handles must be firmly attached to permit easy and safe loading.
- Wheelchairs cannot be larger than the lift platform.
- Maximum width in vans is 30 inches.
- Maximum width in buses is 32 inches.
- The combined weight of the client and wheelchair must not exceed 600 lbs. or (273 kg.)
- Power wheelchairs should have variable speed control, leak proof battery cases and battery tie-down straps.
- All wheelchairs must have adequate anchoring/strap positions for attaching the tie-down straps. Wheelchairs that do not have anchoring points or safe securement points may be denied transportation.
- For your safety and the safety of our drivers, effective January 01, 2019 Transit Plus drivers will no longer maneuver a manual wheelchair up or down steps at a registrant’s pick-up or drop off locations.
Winnipeg Transit Plus reserves the right to refuse transportation to any individual who attempts to travel in an unsafe wheelchair, or whose wheelchair exceeds width/height dimensions or weight restrictions or whose mobility device cannot be secured safely in the vehicle.
Walker Transport and Safety
Walkers vary a great deal in size and complexity and Winnipeg Transit Plus understands that special care must be taken when handling them. Walkers must be fold-able and light weight to be able to store them when traveling. Walkers that are too large or do not fold may not be accepted on Winnipeg Transit Plus vehicles.
- In cars, the walker must be placed in the trunk of the vehicle.
- In para buses, the walker must be secured with two tie-downs to keep the walker from moving.
- In vans, the walker must be secured with two tie-downs or placed in the rear of the van’s storage area to keep the walker from moving.
If a walker requires special attention when folding, tell the driver. With the many variety of mobility devices in the market, do not expect drivers to know the specifics of your particular mobility device.
Scooter Transport and Safety
Clients using three and four-wheeled scooters should drive their scooters onto the bus or van. Once positioned inside the bus or van in the appropriate location, the power must be turned off, and the client must transfer to a vehicle seat.
Due to safety concerns, Winnipeg Transit Plus requires that registrants who travel using a scooter or pedestal power wheelchair must independently transfer from their scooter or wheelchair to a vehicle seat. Minimal assistance can be provided to the registrant upon request.
Guide / Assist Dogs
A guide dog is not a pet, but a working animal. It acts much like a crutch or a cane does in assisting people with a corresponding disability. For this reason, guide or assist dogs are allowed in all Winnipeg Transit Plus vehicles.
Guide or assist animals are not permitted to sit on the vehicle seats unless the driver permits so. During wet or snowy weather, owners of guide or assist animals are required to bring a blanket if they want their animal to sit on the vehicle seat.
Oxygen Tanks
Clients may travel with oxygen tanks and respirators when using Winnipeg Transit Plus service. For safety reasons, oxygen tanks and respirators must be secured to prevent oxygen tanks from falling or becoming dislodged and striking other objects or passengers in the vehicle.
New Equipment Requests
Please be advised that not all mobility aids can be transported on Winnipeg Transit Plus vehicles due to safety concerns. In order to accommodate new equipment, detailed information or an assessment may be required in order to add your equipment to your file. New equipment requests can take up to 10 business days to process; you will be contacted when the equipment has been added. For more information please speak to one of our Winnipeg Transit Plus Representatives.
If you have recently made changes or upgraded your equipment, please call Winnipeg Transit Plus at 204-986-5722 and let one of our representatives know the new dimensions. It is important we have accurate information on file so we can book the correct vehicle for your ride.
