Para Transpo Service Advisory

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Wheelchairs and mobility devices

Customers with wheelchairs and other mobility devices, such as scooters and walkers, are welcome on OC Transpo vehicles and in our facilities. If you are about to purchase a mobility device, or concerned your device may not fit on our vehicles, check the info below on mobility device size.

Want to make travelling with your mobility device as easy as possible? Follow our useful tips below!

Mobility device tips

Boarding the O-Train

  • Wait for the O-Train on the platform.
  • Stay clear of the yellow platform edge until the train is fully stopped.
  • Wait until the other passengers exit.
  • Use either of the two train entrances to board.
  • If you need to open the doors, press the exterior door button when it turns green. Never pry open or hold open the doors.
  • Board the vehicle directly from the station platform, which is level with the floor of the train.
  • Position yourself in one of the two designated spaces for customers who use mobility devices, which are located near each entrance. These spaces are identified with the blue-and-white ISA (wheelchair) symbol, which is posted on the adjacent window.
  • If the fold-down seats in these spaces are occupied, ask the occupants to please yield their seat.
  • Set the brakes or turn off the device.
  • If you need to contact the operator, an emergency intercom is located within reach of your space.

Exiting the O-Train

  • The train stops automatically at each station, so you do not need to request your stop.
  • Wait until the train comes to a complete stop before moving to the exit.
  • When the green button on the door lights up, press it to open the doors.

Boarding the bus

  • Wait for the bus near the bus stop flag.
  • Stay clear of the curb until the bus is fully stopped.
  • Wait until the other passengers exit.
  • The operator will lower the bus and extend the ramp at the front door. If the operator doesn’t lower the bus or deploy the ramp, and you need it to board, ask him or her to do so.
  • Wait until the bus is lowered or the ramp is fully extended.
  • Board the bus.
  • Position yourself in one of the two designated spaces for customers who use mobility devices, which are located near the front of the bus. These spaces are identified with the blue-and-white ISA (wheelchair) symbol, which is posted on the adjacent window.
  • If the fold-down seats in these spaces are occupied, ask the occupants to please yield their seat.
  • If necessary, ask the operator to make a priority-seating announcement.
  • If you are able to, back into the space so that the rear of your wheelchair or scooter is against the padded backrest.
  • Set the brakes or turn off the device.
  • Secure the optional stability belt if you want.

Exiting the bus

  • Use the "stop request" button adjacent to your space to request a stop. Once pushed, the operator will receive a signal that indicates the ramp is needed. 
  • If you're not sure that you will recognize your stop, or if you're unable to push the button, tell the operator where you're going or present your Destination Card as you board, and the operator will announce your destination and make the stop automatically.
  • Wait until the bus comes to a complete stop before moving to the front of the bus.
  • Wait until the bus is lowered or ramp is fully extended before exiting.

Accessible Stops

  • Not all bus stops are accessible to people using assistive devices.
  • In some areas of the city, the lack of sidewalks or curb cuts at a bus stop can make it difficult or impossible to use the stop.
  • If you are unfamiliar with the bus stops on your trip, contact us for advice about where to board or transfer. 

Mobility device size

If you are about to purchase an assistive device, or concerned your wheelchair or scooter may not fit on our transit vehicles, these guidelines will help.

On the O-Train

If you use the O-Train, assistive devices up to 30 inches (762 mm) wide by 60 inches (1,525 mm) long can be accommodated.

For more information on using your assistive device on transit, contact OC Transpo's Accessibility Specialists.

On the Bus

Wheelchairs, scooters, and other assistive devices measuring 30 inches (762 mm) wide by 48 inches (1,220 mm) long will fit on an OC Transpo bus.

On Para Transpo

Para Transpo provides service using several vehicle types, including minibuses and contracted taxis (sedans and vans). Please use the following information to determine whether we can accommodate your mobility device(s):

Minibus - Side Door

Side door of Minibus
Pictured above: Side door of Minibus
Dimensions for Side door of Minibus
Door Width 35” (889mm)
Ramp Width 34” (863mm)
Maximum Weight 1000lbs (454kg)

Minibus - Rear Door

Rear door of Minibus
Pictured above: Rear door of Minibus
Dimensions for Rear Door Minibus (persons using a power mobility device only)
Door Width 44.5” (1130mm)
Ramp Width 35” (889mm)
Maximum Weight 1322lbs (600kg)

Contracted Taxi Vans

Dimensions for contracted taxi vans*
Door Width 31.5” (800mm)
Ramp Width 32” (813mm)
Maximum Weight 1000lbs (454kg)

*Contracted taxi vans vary in size and Para Transpo is unable to predict which vehicle will be booked for your trip. The dimensions shown here reflect the narrowest measurements a customer may get with a contracted taxi van.

Please contact our accessibility specialists if your device measurements are close to those provided above to ensure that we can meet your needs.

Full loads on buses

  • If both wheelchair positions on the bus are occupied or if the bus is full with a standing load, the bus operator will let you know before you board.
  • The bus operator will then inform you when the next bus is scheduled to arrive.
  • In some cases, alternate transportation arrangements can be made.