A Study of Wheelchair Access to the Current Transit Bus Design.

摘要

Public debate currently exists on the best way to improve and increase use of public transit equipment by the elderly and handicapped. This document presents the result of a study to investigate the feasibility and practicality of incorporating a wheelchair lift platform device for the standard 40-foot transit bus that would provide safe ingress and egress for wheelchair-bound passengers. This report describes the background and conceptual design of incorporating such a level change device. In addition,it also covers seating,wheelchair positioning,and securing the wheelchair once on board. The recommended lift design for use on the standard bus is controlled by the driver by a set of electric switches. This lift is under control of the seated driver at all times. It is powered by hydraulics from either an existing power steering pump or a separate pump. The platform folds into a normal step and stepwell configuration when in the stowed position and has no effect on normal bus operations. It adds approximately 400pounds to the weight of the bus and has a recommended platform load capacity of 1,000pounds. The estimated costs of a wheelchair lift and restraint system option are in the range of $6,000to $8,000per bus. No major design problems are anticipated for the installation of such a device on any current design 40-foot transit bus.