2008 Draft Revisions to the ADA Accessibility Guidelines for Buses and Vans

Published in the Federal Register on November 19, 2008.

36 CFR Part 1192

[Docket No. 2007-1]
RIN 3014-AA38

Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Accessibility Guidelines for Transportation Vehicles

AGENCY:  Architectural and Transportation Barriers Compliance Board.

ACTION:  Availability of draft revisions to guidelines.

SUMMARY:  The Architectural and Transportation Barriers Compliance Board (Access Board) has placed in the docket and on its web site for public review and comment a second draft of revisions to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Accessibility Guidelines for Transportation Vehicles.  The second draft is being issued because the format has been significantly changed, provisions for over-the-road buses have been added, and changes have been made in response to comments on the first draft.  The draft revisions cover only buses, over-the-road buses, and vans.  Draft revisions to the guidelines for other modes will be issued later.  Comments will be accepted on the second draft, and the Access Board will consider those comments prior to issuing a notice of proposed rulemaking to update the guidelines.

DATES:  Comments on the draft revisions to the guidelines must be received by January 20, 2009.

ADDRESSES:  You may submit comments, identified by docket number 2007-1 or RIN number 3014-AA38, by any of the following methods:

• Federal eRulemaking Portal:  http://www.regulations.gov.  Follow the instructions for submitting comments.
• Agency Web Site:  Follow the instructions for submitting comments on our electronic comment site http://www.access-board.gov/commentTV08.cfm.
• E-mail:  cannon@access-board.gov.  Include docket number 2007-1 or RIN number 3014-AA38 in the subject line of the message.
• Fax:  202-272-0081.
• Mail or Hand Delivery/Courier:  Office of Technical and Informational Services, Architectural and Transportation Barriers Compliance Board, 1331 F Street NW, suite 1000, Washington, DC  20004-1111.

Instructions:  All submissions received must include the agency name and docket number or Regulatory Information Number (RIN) for this rulemaking.  All comments received will be posted without change to http://www.access-board.gov/commentListTV08.cfm, including any personal information provided.  Comments will be available for inspection at the above address from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on regular business days.  Comments submitted in accessible formats (Word, ASCII text, HTML) will be posted on the Access Board website.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:  Dennis Cannon, Office of Technical and Information Services, Architectural and Transportation Barriers Compliance Board, 1331 F Street, NW, suite 1000, Washington DC 20004-1111.  Telephone number:  202-272-0015 (voice); 202-272-0082 (TTY).  Electronic mail address:  cannon@access-board.gov.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:  In 1991, the Architectural and Transportation Barriers Compliance Board (Access Board) issued the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Accessibility Guidelines for Transportation Vehicles (36 CFR part 1192).  The guidelines have not been updated since they were issued, except for modifications for over-the-road buses in 1994.  The Access Board began the process of updating the guidelines by publishing a first draft of revisions to subparts A and B of 36 CFR part 1192 on April 11, 2007 (72 FR 18179, April 11, 2007).  The first draft contained revisions to general provisions, buses, and vans.  Changes were proposed to accommodate new technology and vehicles, and new system designs, particularly bus rapid transit.  Over 80 comments were received on the first draft.  Those comments were considered in developing the second draft.

After issuing the guidelines in 1991, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) issued regulations for lifts on non-rail vehicles.  The Access Board will coordinate its rulemaking with NHTSA to ensure consistency with those regulations.

The Access Board is making the second draft of the revisions to the guidelines and supplemental information available for public review and comment prior to issuing a notice of proposed rulemaking to update the guidelines.  Comments on the draft revisions will be considered by the Access Board in developing a notice of proposed rulemaking to update the guidelines, which will also be open for public comment.  The draft revisions to the guidelines and supplementary information are available on the Access Board’s web site (http://www.access-board.gov/vguidedraft2.htm).  Copies may also be obtained by contacting the Access Board at 202-272-0080.  Persons using a TTY should call 202-272-0082.  The documents are available in alternate formats upon request.  Persons who want a copy in an alternate format should specify the type of format (cassette tape, Braille, large print, or ASCII disk).

David M. Capozzi,
Acting Executive Director.

Discussion of Revisions

Background

The Access Board is authorized under the Americans with Disabilities Act to issue accessibility guidelines for vehicles used to provide designated and specified public transportation. The Board originally issued the Accessibility Guidelines for Transportation Vehicles in 1991. The vehicle guidelines form the basis for enforceable standards issued by the Department of Transportation (DOT). The DOT standards (49 CFR Part 38) are substantively identical to the Board’s guidelines. Except for supplemental provisions for over-the-road buses (OTRBs) issued in 1998, the vehicle guidelines have not been updated. Since the vehicle guidelines were issued in 1991, new technology, vehicles and services have been introduced into public transportation. In 2006, the Board decided to update and refresh the vehicle guidelines incrementally, beginning with buses and vans, and later with rail and other fixed guideway systems.

On April 11, 2007, the Board released for public comment a first draft of its updated vehicle guidelines for buses and vans. The first draft was based on the Board’s review of the vehicle guidelines and input it received at an industry roundtable in January 2006 and public meetings held in September and July 2006. The first draft was available for comment until June 11, 2007. Almost 90 comments were received during the comment period. Comments that were submitted in an accessible format are available on the Board’s web site (http://www.access-board.gov/transit/comments/).

The Board is now releasing a second draft of the updated vehicle guidelines for buses and vans and is accepting comments on this draft until January 20, 2009. Comments submitted in accessible formats (e.g., HTML, Microsoft Word, ASCII text) will be posted on the Board’s website. All comments received on the first draft were considered in creating the second draft. Although OTRBs were not included in the first draft, some comments were received on OTRBs and the Board has decided to include OTRBs in the second draft. The second draft proposes specific requirements for level boarding buses, often incorporated in Bus Rapid Transit systems. A chart is posted on the Board’s web site (http://www.access-board.gov/transit/comparison.htm) comparing the second draft with the 1991 vehicle guidelines.

This is not a formal Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM). An NPRM will be published subsequently for further comment and will be accompanied by a preliminary regulatory assessment. Information for the assessment is currently being collected. A final rule will be issued after comments to the NPRM are analyzed.

Plain Language

The 1991 vehicle guidelines were written in conventional regulatory format, following Federal Register requirements, and are divided into eight subparts. Subpart A includes general provisions pertaining to all vehicles, subparts B through G cover vehicles for various modes, and subpart H covers all other vehicle and service types. The second draft of the vehicle guidelines is reorganized and reformatted to separate scoping requirements (e.g., how many, what type of vehicle, under what conditions, etc.) from a common set of technical provisions. This new format is more consistent with the revised Accessibility Guidelines for Buildings and Facilities issued by the Board in 2004 and adopted by DOT in 2006. The second draft uses plain language so the requirements are easier to understand. Each section addresses one subject and is numbered with a heading or title for the section. Figures are inserted after some sections to illustrate the requirement in the section. Non-mandatory advisory information is also inserted after some sections to clarify the requirement in the section. This advisory material is clearly identified by shaded boxes. The Board requests comments on whether:

1. The scoping and technical requirements are clearly stated?
2. Any language is not clear?
3. Clarity can be improved by adding figures or advisory information?
4. There is anything else that can be done to make the guidelines easier to understand?

The sections in the second draft of the updated vehicles guidelines for buses and vans are briefly reviewed below.

Chapter T1 Application and Administration

Chapter T1 contains general application and administration sections, including equivalent facilitation, conventions, and definitions. Section T104.4 contains definitions originally contained in Subpart A of the 1991 vehicle guidelines. For purposes of this draft, only those definitions pertaining to buses, OTRBs, and vans are included. Some definitions that were in the first draft are not included because they are in the DOT rule. When provisions for rail and other vehicles are proposed in a subsequent rulemaking, additional definitions will be added. The first draft did not include OTRBs so the definition of an OTRB was not included, a point raised by one comment. Since this draft includes OTRBs, the definition is now included.

Most definitions are not being recommended for change. Definitions are provided to help affected parties understand the requirements which are contained in the text of the guidelines. A new definition of “bridgeplate” has been added. These devices are common for rail vehicles, but are new to level boarding buses because of Bus Rapid Transit.

The definition of “common wheelchair” has been removed. Some transit agencies have used the definition inappropriately to exclude certain wheelchairs and mobility devices from buses, even when those wheelchairs and mobility devices could be accommodated within the vehicle. Commenters on the first draft who recommended retaining the definition cited the desire to use the definition to determine what size wheelchairs and mobility devices are eligible for bus service. Several commenters said removing the definition would require transit agencies to transport wheelchairs and mobility devices that they could not secure. In fact, the DOT regulation already addresses this issue: “The entity may not deny transportation to a wheelchair or its user on the ground that the device cannot be secured or restrained satisfactorily by the vehicle's securement system.” 49 CFR 36.165(d). If DOT wishes to retain a definition of “common wheelchair” in its regulations for other reasons, DOT can do so, and comments on that subject should be addressed to DOT when DOT updates its regulations.

Some commenters recommended that the guidelines address the “Segway” personal transportation device, but DOT has already issued guidance on its use on transit vehicles (http://www.fta.dot.gov/civilrights/ada/civil_rights_3893.html).

The definition of “fixed route” has been clarified to indicate that a fixed schedule is not the determining criterion of what is a fixed route. Congress clearly intended that rapid rail and light rail systems be considered as fixed routes, but rapid rail and light rail systems do not have “fixed” schedules. Instead they operate with a generally consistent headway or train frequency, which usually varies by the time of day. One commenter on the first draft recommended against the definition change, stating that it would require the provision of complementary paratransit for commuter bus systems. The DOT regulation (49 CFR 37.121) specifies which systems must provide paratransit and states that commuter bus systems are not required to provide complementary paratransit service.

Chapter T2 Scoping Requirements

Chapter T2 contains scoping requirements. Section T201 applies to all vehicle types. The provision is substantively identical to section 1192.21(a) of the 1991 guidelines and continues to refer to new, used, and remanufactured vehicles required to be accessible by the DOT regulation.

Some commenters recommended that the vehicle guidelines apply only to vehicles manufactured after the effective date of the updated guidelines. The ADA applies to transit agencies, and not vehicle manufacturers. The ADA requires that vehicles procured by transit agencies comply with the applicable accessibility standards. When DOT updates its ADA regulations to adopt the Board’s updated vehicle guidelines as the new accessibility standards for vehicles, DOT will establish the effective date after which vehicles procured by transit agencies must comply with the new accessibility standards.

Section T203 is the beginning of the specific sections for buses, OTRBs, and vans. The sections are organized so that the scoping requirements for all buses are stated first, followed by scoping requirements for level boarding buses. The reader who is interested in the scoping requirements for a particular type of vehicle should be able to easily identify the applicable sections and skip over sections that do not apply.

The 1991 vehicle guidelines assumed that a lift or ramp, which could deploy to ground level, would be provided at each door where a wheelchair or mobility aid user would board and alight. However, some bus routes are being designed for boarding and alighting from a station platform at the vehicle floor level, sometimes through multiple doors on both sides of the vehicle. Section T203.2.2.2 would require a lift, ramp or bridgeplate only where the vertical separation between the boarding and alighting area exceeds plus or minus 5/8 inch or the horizontal separation exceeds 2 inches. Where a platform and vehicle floor height are coordinated to meet the specified horizontal and vertical separation at the door, no lift, ramp, or bridgeplate is needed at that door.

Section T203.2.1 requires all buses, including buses operating in level boarding bus systems, to provide a boarding device that is capable of being deployed to the roadway. An exception to section T203.2.1.2 permits buses operating exclusively in level boarding bus systems to provide portable ramps on-board the bus that are capable of being deployed to the roadway.

Section T203.3 through T203.6 cover wheelchair spaces, circulation paths, doorways, and steps.

Section T203.7 covers handrails, handholds, and stanchions. The 1991 vehicle guidelines contain a provision for overhead handrails. Overhead handrails are usually not useful to people with disabilities so that provision has been removed and replaced with a requirement for handholds or stanchions at the aisle side of seat backs.

Sections T203.8 through T203.11 cover securement systems, seat belts and shoulder belts, and destination route signs.

Section T203.12 is a new requirement for an automated route announcement system for vehicles at stops which serve multiple routes. Section T203.13 requires an automated stop announcement system on large vehicles (more than 22 feet in length) operated by public entities on fixed routes with multiple stops. This requirement in the first draft generated many comments. The 1991 vehicle guidelines require large buses to have a public address system, but failure of drivers to announce stops is the major compliance issue reported by the Federal Transit Administration. Commenters on the first draft expressed concern that if automated stop announcements are required, transit agencies would need to install expensive and complicated global positioning (GPS) or automated vehicle location (AVL) systems. The commenters noted that GPS systems often do not work reliably in mountainous regions or even in some central cities with tall buildings. The Board requests information on the following:

1. How do automated stop announcement installation costs compare to the stop announcements currently in use?

1.1. Does your agency use a microphone-only PA?
1.2. A system with push-button announcements?
1.3. Other?
1.4. What is the installation or factory-added costs of those systems?

2. How does your agency currently gather and store locations of bus stops (for internal or traveler information use)?

2.1. Does your agency have any experience building geo-located stop databases using off-the-shelf consumer equipment or free web-based solutions?
2.2. Have you tested the data gathered this way to gauge its accuracy?
2.3. Has there been any attempt to gather these data already for traveler information reasons? 

3. Are you aware of technical solutions that might accomplish the goals of stop announcement for your agency outside of the current commercial offerings?

3.1. If you have deployed such a system, how did the actual costs compare to the quoted prices for commercial off the shelf systems?
3.2. If you are aware of such a solution but have not deployed it, why not?

4. For agencies located in areas with known GPS reception problems, how have you obtained accurate location information?

4.1. Have these solutions been used as an alternative or augment to GPS systems?

5. Are there significant differences between the stop announcement needs for small and rural communities as compared to urban areas?

5.1. How are you currently providing this information?
5.2. Has your agency explored ways to automate the dissemination of this information?
5.3. What kinds of successes or failures have you had with these techniques and how did the costs compare to the commercially available solutions common for large and urban agencies?
5.4. If requirements should be different for “small” agencies, how should “small” be defined?

Sections T203.14 and T203.15 cover stop request systems and fare collection devices.

Chapter T3 Boarding Devices

Chapter T3 contains technical requirements for lifts, ramps, and bridgeplates. An advisory note highlights the differences between the technical requirements for lifts in the Board’s vehicle guidelines and in the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s (NHTSA) Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS). The Board had considered incorporating the NHTSA standards by reference, with some exceptions, but the NHTSA standards apply only to the manufacture of lifts for motor vehicles, and not rail vehicles. Note that section T302.2 of these guidelines specifies a design load of 300 kg (660 lbs.) for lifts. Lifts meeting this design load are currently available.

Section T303.2 specifies a 300 kg design load (660 lbs.) for ramps and bridgeplates. Several commenters on the first draft thought that the ramp width had been increased. The width has not changed. Section T303.8 specifies the maximum slope for ramps and bridgeplates. Commenters on the first draft showed that a 1:8 slope to the roadway was not achievable. However, buses with a ramps slope of 1:6 to roadway are currently available. Where boarding and alighting occurs from station platforms coordinated with the vehicle floor, the required slope of 1:8 should be achievable with a short bridgeplate.

Commenters on the first draft questioned why the 1:4 slope maximum specified in the 1991 guidelines is inadequate. Simple geometry will suffice to illustrate the problem. A typical manual wheelchair has an approach angle of approximately 10 degrees. This is the angle between a level plane and a line drawn from the caster contact point to the lowest point of the underside of the footrest. A 10 degree angle represents a slope of about 1:6. If a wheelchair with this approach angle attempts to ascend a ramp steeper than 1:6, the footrests will hit the ramp before the front caster. The only way to avoid a sudden stop is to tip the chair backward, thus losing any forward momentum. Descending the ramp forward is worse, since the chair will come to a sudden stop, possibly catapulting the occupant out. Descending backward is no better, since a typical manual wheelchair will flip over backward when the rear wheels reach the ground at the bottom of the ramp. Most power wheelchairs will experience similar problems and many cannot be tipped back.

Chapter T4 Wheelchair Spaces and Securement Systems

Chapter T4 covers wheelchair spaces and securement systems. Section T402.4 specifies the minimum clear floor area that must be provided. Sections T402.4.1 and T402.4.2 require additional maneuvering clearance where the space is confined on three sides. Anyone who has attempted to parallel park a car in a space the same length as the car knows that it is impossible. Obviously a 48-inch long wheelchair cannot enter a 48-inch long space that is confined on three sides. Several commenters on the first draft expressed concern that the additional maneuvering clearance would reduce seating capacity. An advisory note clarifies that the additional maneuvering clearance is only needed to enter and exit the wheelchair space and can be reclaimed by fold-down seats at other times. Reduction in seating capacity has been a common concern since accessible buses were introduced. During off-peak hours, seats are almost always available. During peak hours, when the number of seats is an issue, accessible buses provide more passenger capacity because they can accommodate more standees.

The “forward approach” configuration may apply in a minivan entered from a rear ramp or it may apply to a “rear approach” to a rear-facing wheelchair space. Most manual wheelchairs have front casters and many new power chairs have rear casters. A 30-inch wide wheelchair entering a 30-inch wide space confined on three sides may have little trouble, but exiting requires the casters to swivel. A minimum of three inches is needed on each side of the space for this to occur. Thus, a wheelchair space confined on three sides must be at least 36 inches wide. Two figures to show this are included. A provision in the 1991 vehicles guidelines allowing some of the required floor space to be under seats and panels has been removed. That provision worked for wheelchair footrests, but could not accommodate scooters which have a front tiller control.

Section T403.5 provides more specificity on the padded headrest required by the 1991 vehicle guidelines for rear-facing securement.

Chapter T5 Circulation Paths and Doorways on Buses, Over-The-Road Buses, and Vans

Chapter T5 covers circulation paths and doorways. The first draft had specified a 36-inch wide path from entry doors used by wheelchair users and asked whether that was achievable. Commenters showed that it was not. The overall width of a vehicle is determined by the roadway on which it must operate. Low floor buses have the advantage of allowing the use of a simple ramp, instead of a more complicated lift. The shape of the front wheel housings on low floor buses, which must allow the wheels to turn, creates a narrower aisle for front door entry. Comments from manufacturers of high and low floor buses showed that a width of 34 inches was achievable. The required minimum vertical clearance along the path varies according to vehicle size and type. These vertical clearances have not been changed from the 1991 vehicle guidelines. The wording for vertical clearances was clarified in the first draft and in the second draft as well.

Chapter T6 is reserved for circulation paths and doorways on rail vehicles which will be addressed in future rulemaking.

Chapter T7 Communication Features

Chapter T7 includes technical requirements for communication features, including signs and announcement systems. The provisions for sign characters and line space are adapted from the Accessibility Guidelines for Buildings and Facilities. Section T704 covers automated route announcement systems and T705 covers automated stop announcement systems.

Chapter T8 Other Features

Chapter T8 covers other requirements for slip resistance, protrusions, surface discontinuities, and openings. Doorway lighting, additional handrail and stanchion requirements, operable parts, and fare collection devices are also covered in this chapter.

Amendments to Buildings and Facilities Guidelines for Station Platforms

The Board is proposing some technical amendments to Section 810.5 of the Accessibility Guidelines for Buildings and Facilities to include level boarding bus stations.

T101 General.  This document contains scoping and technical requirements for vehicles that are readily accessible to and usable by individuals with disabilities.  The requirements apply to the acquisition of new, used, and remanufactured vehicles and the remanufacture of existing vehicles to the extent required by regulations in 49 CFR Part 37 issued by the Department of Transportation under the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA).

Advisory T101 General.  The Department of Transportation has issued regulations under the Americans with Disabilities Act that contain additional requirements regarding nondiscrimination in the provision of transportation services to individuals with disabilities.  Transit operators must comply with the Department of Transportation regulations, in addition to this document.

T102 Equivalent Facilitation.  The requirements in this document do not prevent the use of alternative designs and technologies that result in substantially equivalent or greater accessibility and usability.  The Department of Transportation regulations contain procedures in 49 CFR §37.7 for determining whether alternative designs and technologies provide equivalent facilitation.

T103 Conventions

T103.1 Dimensions.  Dimensions that are not stated as maximum or minimum are absolute.

T103.2 Tolerances.  All dimensions are subject to conventional industry tolerances for manufacturing processes, material properties, and field conditions.

Advisory T103.2 Tolerances.  Tolerances are not intended to be variances that can be used in design.  Information on specific tolerances may be available from industry or trade organizations and published references.

T103.3 Figures.  Figures are provided for informational purposes only, except for Figure T703.

T103.4 Units of Measurement.  Measurements are stated in metric and U.S. customary units.  The values stated in each system (metric or U.S. customary units) may not be exact equivalents, and each system shall be used independently of the other.

Advisory T103.4 Units of Measurement.  Users should work entirely within one system of measurement, either metric or U.S. customary units.  Combining values from the two systems may result in non-compliance.

T103.5 Vehicle Length.  The length of buses, over-the-road buses, and vans is measured from standard bumper to standard bumper, exclusive of any additional protrusions.

Advisory T103.5 Vehicle Length.  Vehicle length is measured with the vehicle as supplied by the original equipment manufacturer.  After manufacture additions such as bicycle racks are not included when measuring vehicle length.

T104 Definitions

T104.1 General.  For the purpose of this document, the terms defined in T104.4 have the indicated meaning.  Terms used in this document that are defined in regulations issued by the Department of Transportation at 49 CFR 37.3 have the meaning indicated in those regulations.

Advisory T104.1 General.  The following terms that are used in this document are defined in the Department of Transportation regulations: accessible, bus, fixed route system, new vehicle, public entity, over-the-road bus, remanufactured vehicle, used vehicle, and wheelchair.

T104.2 Undefined Terms.  The meaning of terms not specifically defined in T104.4 or in regulations issued by the Department of Transportation shall be as defined by collegiate dictionaries in the sense that the context implies.

T104.3 Interchangeability.  Words, terms, and phrases used in the singular include the plural; and words, terms, and phrases used in the plural include the singular.

T104.4 Defined Terms.

Boarding device.  A lift, ramp, or bridgeplate.

Bridgeplate.  A short plate or short ramp designed to bridge a horizontal or vertical gap between a vehicle floor and a station platform, or between a vehicle floor and a lift platform.

Level boarding bus system.  A system in which buses operate where some or all of the designated stops have station platforms, and the design of the station platforms and the vehicles are coordinated to provide level boarding.

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 touch screens.

Surface discontinuities.  Differences in level between two adjacent surfaces.

T201 General.  New, used, and remanufactured vehicles shall comply with the scoping requirements in Chapter T2 to the extent required by regulations in 49 CFR Part 37 issued by the Department of Transportation under the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA).

T202 Reduction in Access Prohibited.  Modifications to an accessible vehicle shall not decrease or have the effect of decreasing the accessibility of the vehicle below the requirements of this document that are in effect at the time of the modification.

T203 Buses, Over-the-Road Buses, and Vans

T203.1 General.  Buses, over-the-road buses, and vans shall comply with T203.

T203.2 Accessible Boarding.  Vehicles shall provide accessible boarding in accordance with T203.2.

T203.3 Wheelchair Spaces.  Vehicles shall provide wheelchair spaces complying with T402 in accordance with T203.3.

Advisory T203.3 Wheelchair Spaces.  T203.8 requires vehicles to provide securement systems at each wheelchair space.  T403.2 requires securement systems to secure wheelchairs so that the occupant faces the front or rear of the vehicle.  Side facing securement is not permitted.

T203.4 Circulation Paths.  Circulation paths on vehicles shall comply with T203.4.

T203.5 Doorways.  Doorways on vehicles shall comply with T203.5.

T203.6 Steps.  Steps on vehicles shall comply with T504.

T203.7 Handrails, Stanchions, and Handholds.  Vehicles shall provide handrails, stanchions, and handholds complying with T505 in accordance with T203.7.

T203.8 Wheelchair Securement Systems.  Vehicles shall provide wheelchair securement systems complying with T403 at each wheelchair space.

T203.9 Seat Belts and Shoulder Belts.  Vehicles shall provide seat belts and shoulder belts complying with T404 at each wheelchair space.

T203.10 Seats.  Seats on vehicles shall comply with T203.10.

T203.11 Destination and Route Signs.  Where signs displaying destination or route information are provided on the exterior of a vehicle, the signs shall be provided on the front and boarding side of the vehicle.  The signs shall be illuminated and shall comply with T702.

T203.12 Public Address System.  Vehicles more than 6.7 m (22 feet) in length that operate in fixed route systems and stop at multiple designated stops shall provide a public address system to announce stops and provide other passenger information within the vehicle.

T203.13 Automated Stop and Route Announcements.  Public entities that operate 100 or more buses in annual maximum service in fixed route systems, as reported in the National Transit Database in accordance with 49 CFR Part 630, shall provide automated stop and route announcements complying with T704 on buses that are more than 6.7 m (22 feet) in length and operate in fixed route systems.

T203.14 Stop Request Systems.  Vehicles more than 6.7 m (22 feet) in length that operate in fixed route systems and stop at multiple designated stops on passenger request shall provide stop request systems complying with T705.

T203.15 Fare Collection Devices.  Where fare collection devices are provided on vehicles, fare collection devices shall comply with T806.

T301 General.  The technical requirements in Chapter T3 shall apply where required by Chapter T2.

T302 Lifts

T302.1 General.  Lifts shall comply with T302.

Advisory T302.1 General.  The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has established Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS) at 49 CFR § 571.403 and § 571.404 for lifts that are designed for use on motor vehicles.  The FMVSS are generally consistent with T302.  T302 has some requirements that are more stringent than the FMVSS, including openings in lift platform surfaces in T302.5.1 and T802.3, and transitions at the boarding edges of threshold ramps on lift platforms in T302.5.5 and T802.5.  T302 also has some requirements that are not addressed in the FMVSS, including door releases for manual operation of lifts in T302.4, boarding direction in T302.5.9, and use by standees in T302.5.10.

T302.2 Design Load.  The lift design load shall be 273 kg (600 pounds) minimum.  Load carrying components that are subject to wear shall have a design safety factor of at least six, based on the ultimate strength of the material.  Other components that are not subject to wear shall have a design safety factor of at least three, based on the ultimate strength of the material.

T302.3 Controls.  Lift controls shall comply with T302.3.

T302.3.1 Interlocks.  Lift controls shall be interlocked with the vehicle brakes, transmission, propulsion system, or door, or shall provide other systems to prevent the vehicle from moving when the lift is not stowed.  Lift controls shall not be operable unless the interlocks are engaged.

T302.3.2 Sequence.  Lift controls shall be of a momentary contact type requiring continuous manual pressure.  Lift controls shall permit the operator to change the operation sequence.  Lift controls shall not permit the lift platform to be folded, retracted, or stowed when occupied, unless the platform is designed to be occupied when stowed in the passenger area of the vehicle.

Advisory T302.3.2 Sequence.  A rotary lift is an example of a lift platform that is designed to be occupied when the platform is rotated into a stowed position in the passenger area of the vehicle.

T302.4 Manual Operation.  Lifts shall be capable of being operated manually if the power to the lift fails.  The manual operation shall be safe for the occupant and operator when operated according to the manufacturer’s instructions.  When operated manually, the lift platform shall deploy and lower to the boarding and alighting area or the roadway with an occupant; shall rise to the vehicle floor without an occupant; and shall stow.  The lift platform shall not fold, retract, or stow when occupied, unless the platform is designed to be occupied when stowed in the passenger area of the vehicle.  Doors that must be opened to allow the lift to operate shall have interior and exterior manual releases.

T302.5 Platforms.  Lift platforms shall comply with T302.5.

T302.5.1 Surfaces.  Lift platform surfaces shall comply with T802.

T302.5.2 Size.  The lift platform clear width shall be 720 mm (28½ inches) minimum measured at the platform surface, and 760 mm (30 inches) minimum measured from 51 mm (2 inches) above the platform surface to 1015 mm (40 inches) minimum above the platform surface.  The lift platform clear length shall be 1015 mm (40 inches) minimum measured at the platform surface and 1220 mm (48 inches) minimum measured from 51 mm (2 inches) above the platform surface to 1015 mm (40 inches) above the platform surface.

Advisory T302.5.2 Size.  A surface width of 720 mm (28.5 inches) minimum is specified for the lift platform to accommodate some protrusions for handrail attachment brackets.  A wider lift platform is recommended because it is more usable by passengers who use wheelchairs, and accommodates a broader range of passengers with disabilities.  The lift platform width should not exceed the clear opening of the doorway, or the clear width of the circulation path connecting the doorway to the wheelchair space.

 

T302.5.2 Size

T302.5.3 Edge Barriers.  Lift platforms shall have edge barriers complying with Table T302.5.3 to prevent the wheels of wheelchairs from rolling off the platforms.  Openings between lift platform surfaces and raised barriers shall not permit passage of a sphere 16 mm (⅝ inch) in diameter.  Edge barriers shall not interfere with the maneuvering of wheelchairs.

Table T302.5.3 Lift Platform Edge Barriers

Side of Lift Platform	Edge Barrier Required
Side of lift platform used to enter and exit the platform at boarding and alighting area	Moveable barrier or supplementary system capable of preventing power wheelchairs from riding over or defeating the barrier or supplementary system.  The barrier or supplementary system shall automatically raise or engage, and remain raised or engaged when the lift platform is more than 75 mm (3 inches) above the boarding and alighting area level.  The barrier or supplementary system shall be permitted to be operated manually if an interlock or other design feature prevents the lift from operating unless the barrier or supplementary system is raised or engaged.
Side of lift platform used to enter and exit the vehicle	Moveable barrier or other design feature to prevent the wheels of wheelchairs from rolling off the lift platform when the platform is not at the vehicle floor level
Other sides of lift platform	Barriers 38 mm (1½ inches) high minimum

T302.5.4 Gaps.  When the lift platform is at the vehicle floor level and any edge barrier is lowered, the gap between the platform surface and the vehicle floor shall not permit passage of a sphere 16 mm (⅝ inch) in diameter.

T302.5.5 Threshold Ramps.  Threshold ramps from boarding and alighting areas to lift platforms and edge barriers used as threshold ramps shall have slopes not steeper than 1:8 (12.5 percent) for a rise of 75 mm (3 inches) maximum.  The slope shall be measured when the lift platform is level.  Surface discontinuities at transitions from boarding and alighting areas to threshold ramps shall comply with T802.5.

T302.5.6 Visual Contrast.  The perimeter of the lift platform surface shall be outlined.  The outline shall be 25 mm (1 inch) wide minimum and shall contrast visually with the rest of the platform surface either light-on-dark or dark-on-light.

T302.5.7 Deflection.  When occupied, lift platforms shall be permitted to deflect 3 degrees maximum in any direction with respect to the platform’s unloaded position, exclusive of vehicle roll or pitch.

T302.5.8 Movement.  Lift platform movement shall comply with T302.5.8.

T302.5.8.1 Normal Operating Conditions.  When occupied, lift platforms shall move at a rate of 150 mm/second (6 inches/second) maximum, and the horizontal and vertical acceleration shall be 0.3g maximum under normal operating conditions.  When folding, retracting, or stowing, lift platforms shall move at a rate of 306 mm/second (12 inches/second) maximum under normal operating conditions, unless the platform is folded and stowed manually.

T302.5.8.2 Power or Equipment Failure.  In the event of a power failure or single failure of any load carrying component, lift platforms that are occupied or are stowed in a vertical position shall move at rate of 306 mm/second (12 inches/second) maximum.

T302.5.9 Boarding Direction.  Lift platforms shall permit passengers who use wheelchairs to board the platforms facing either toward or away from the vehicle.

Advisory T302.5.9 Boarding Direction.  Lift platforms must permit passengers who use wheelchairs to board the platforms facing toward or away from the vehicle because some passengers have significant difficulty backing up their wheelchairs.  Transit operators may recommend, but not require, boarding the lift platform in a particular direction.

T302.5.10 Standees.  Lift platforms shall be usable by passengers who use walkers, crutches, canes, or braces or who otherwise have difficulty using steps.  Lift platforms shall be permitted to be marked to indicate a preferred standing position.

T302.5.11 Handrails.  Lifts platforms shall have handrails complying with T804 on two sides of the platform that move in tandem with the platform to provide support for passengers in a standing position.  Handrails shall have a usable gripping surface 205 mm (8 inches) long minimum.  The gripping surface shall be 760 mm (30 inches) minimum and 965 mm (38 inches) maximum above the lift platform surface.  Handrails shall not interfere with the maneuvering of wheelchairs.

 

T302.5.11 Handrails

T303 Ramps and Bridgeplates

T303.1 General.  Ramps and bridgeplates shall comply with T303.  Ramps and bridgeplates shall be permitted to fold or telescope if all the requirements of T303 are met.

T303.2 Design Load.  The design load of ramps and bridgeplates 760 mm (30 inches) or more in length shall be 273 kg (600 pounds) minimum.  The design load of ramps and bridgeplates less than 760 mm (30 inches) in length shall be 136 kg (300 pounds) minimum.  Ramps and bridgeplates shall have a design safety factor of at least 3, based on the ultimate strength of the material.

Advisory T303.2 Design Load.  The design load is the weight the ramp or bridgeplate is designed to support without damage or permanent deformation.  Some deflection may occur under maximum load.

T303.3 Attachment.  When used for boarding and alighting, ramps and bridgeplates shall be firmly attached to the vehicle and shall not be subject to displacement from the vehicle.

T303.4 Emergency Operation.  Power operated ramps and bridgeplates shall be capable of being operated manually and in a manner that is safe for the occupant and operator if the power fails.

T303.5 Surfaces.  Ramp and bridgeplate surfaces shall comply with T802, and shall be uninterrupted from edge to edge.

Advisory T303.5 Surfaces.  Ramp and bridgeplate surfaces must be uninterrupted from edge to edge to accommodate three-wheel scooters.  Expanded metal or perforated materials are permitted, as long as the openings comply with T802.3.

T303.6 Clear Width.  The ramp and bridgeplate clear width shall be 760 mm (30 inches) minimum.

Advisory T303.6 Clear Width.  A wider ramp or bridgeplate is recommended because it is more usable by passengers who use wheelchairs, and accommodates a broader range of passengers with disabilities.  The ramp or bridgeplate width should not exceed the clear opening of the doorway, or the clear width of the circulation path connecting the doorway to the wheelchair space.

T303.7 Edge Barriers.  The edges of ramps and bridgeplates that are more than 75 mm (3 inches) above the boarding and alighting area level shall have barriers 51 mm (2 inches) high minimum.

T303.8 Slope.  Ramp and bridgeplate slopes shall comply with T303.8 when measured at 50 percent passenger load.

Advisory T303.8 Slope.  The Department of Transportation regulations at 49 CFR 37.165(f) require vehicle operators to assist passengers with disabilities with the use of boarding devices, even if the vehicle operators must leave their seats.  Providing ramps and bridgeplates with the least possible slope accommodates a broader range of passengers with disabilities and minimizes the need for assistance.

T303.9 Transitions.  Surface discontinuities at transitions from boarding and alighting areas to ramps and bridgeplates shall comply with T802.5.

T303.10 Visual Contrast.  The perimeter of the ramp and bridgeplate surface shall be outlined.  The outline shall be 25 mm (1 inch) wide minimum and shall contrast visually with the rest of the ramp and bridgeplate surface either light-on-dark or dark-on-light.

T303.11 Gaps.  When deployed for boarding and alighting, gaps between the ramp or bridgeplate surface and vehicle floor shall not permit passage of a sphere more than 16 mm (5/8 inch) in diameter.

T303.12 Stowage.  Where portable ramps or bridgeplates are permitted, a compartment, securement system, or other method shall be provided within the vehicle to stow the ramps and bridgeplates when not in use.  When stowed in passenger areas, portable ramps and bridgeplates shall not pose a hazard to passengers, and shall not interfere with the maneuvering of wheelchairs.

T401 General.  The technical requirements in Chapter T4 shall apply where required by Chapter T2.

T402 Wheelchair Spaces

T402.1 General.  Wheelchair spaces shall comply with T402.

T402.2 Surfaces.  Wheelchair space surfaces shall comply with T802.

T402.3 Approach.  One full unobstructed side of each wheelchair space shall adjoin or overlap a circulation path complying with T502.

T402.4 Size.  Wheelchair spaces shall be 760 mm (30 inches) minimum by 1220 mm (48 inches) minimum.  Where the wheelchair space is confined on all or part of three sides, additional maneuvering space complying with T402.4.1 or T402.4.2 shall be provided.  Fold-down seats shall be permitted to occupy the wheelchair space and additional maneuvering space provided the spaces are not obstructed when the seats are in the up position.  Fold-down seats shall be permitted to occupy the additional maneuvering space when the wheelchair space is occupied.

Advisory T402.4 Size.  Where wheelchair spaces are confined on all or part of three sides, such as against a side wall and between a fold-up seat and wheel housing, the additional space is needed only for maneuvering the wheelchair into and out of the area.

T402.4 Size

T402.4.1 Front or Rear Entry.  Where the short side of the wheelchair space is entered from the front or rear and the confined space is more than 610 mm (24 inches) deep, the wheelchair space and additional maneuvering space shall be 787 mm (31 inches) minimum by 1220 mm (48 inches) minimum.

 

T402.4.1 Front or Rear Entry

T402.4.2 Side Entry.  Where the long side of the wheelchair space is entered from the side and the confined space is more than 380 mm (15 inches) deep, the wheelchair space and additional maneuvering space shall be 760 mm (30 inches) minimum by 1372 mm (54 inches) minimum.

 

T402.4.2 Side Entry
(a) forward facing
(b) rear facing

T403 Wheelchair Securement Systems

T403.1 General.  Wheelchair securement systems, including attachments, shall comply with T403.  Wheelchair securement systems shall be capable of securing wheelchairs that can enter and maneuver within an accessible vehicle.  Wheelchair securement systems shall be automatic or easy to operate by a trained person.

T403.2 Orientation.  Wheelchair securement systems shall secure the wheelchair so that the occupant faces the front or rear of the vehicle.  On vehicles more than 6.7 m (22 feet) in length, at least one wheelchair securement system shall be front facing.

Advisory T403.2 Orientation.  Side facing securement is not permitted.

T403.3 Design Force.  Front and rear facing wheelchair securement systems shall comply with T403.2.1 or T403.2.2, as applicable.

T403.4 Movement.  Front and rear facing wheelchair securement systems shall limit the movement of an occupied wheelchair so that no part of the wheelchair that is in contact with the vehicle floor when initially secured in accordance with manufacturer’s instructions moves more than 51 mm (2 inches) in any direction under normal vehicle operating conditions.

Advisory T403.4 Movement.  “In any direction” means no part of the wheelchair that is in contact with the vehicle floor when initially secured moves more than 51 mm (2 inches) horizontally, vertically, or in an arc.  “Normal vehicle operating conditions” are specific to the area where the vehicle operates.  Vehicles that operate in hilly terrain or on winding roads will have more severe constraints than those operating in flat areas.

T403.5 Rear Facing Securement Systems.  Rear facing wheelchair securement systems shall comply with T403.5.

T403.5.1 Forward Excursion Barrier.  A forward excursion barrier shall be provided to prevent an occupied wheelchair from moving toward the front of the vehicle.  The barrier shall extend from the floor to a height of 610 mm (24 in) minimum for the full width of the wheelchair space.

Advisory T403.5.1 Forward Excursion Barrier.  The forward excursion barrier is located at the back of the wheelchair.

 

T403.5.1 Forward Excursion Barrier

T403.5.2 Padded Head Rest.  A padded head rest complying with T403.5.2 shall be provided above the forward excursion barrier.

Advisory T403.5.2 Padded Head Rest.  The padded head rest is intended to reduce the possibility of whiplash in a sudden stop.  The padded head rest is positioned approximately in line with the plane of the wheelchair backrest, and the bottom edge of the head rest is positioned to be above the approximate height of the backrest.  Many wheelchair users have backpacks on their wheelchairs.  If the bottom edge of the padded head rest is below the top of the backrest, the head rest may encounter the backpack and prevent the wheelchair from being positioned close to the head rest.

T403.5.2.1 Width.  The padded head rest shall be 255 mm (10 inches) wide minimum, and shall be centered on the wheelchair space.

T403.5.2.2 Height.  The lower edge of the padded head rest shall be 965 mm (38 inches) minimum and 1016 mm (40 inches) maximum above the vehicle floor.  The top edge of the padded head rest shall be 1420 mm (56 inches) minimum above the vehicle floor.

T403.5.2.3 Protrusion.  The plane of the face of the padded head rest shall protrude into the wheelchair space 230 mm (9 inches) minimum and 305 mm (12 inches) maximum measured from the plane of the forward excursion barrier.

 

T403.5.2 Padded Head Rest

T403.6 Stowage.  When wheelchair securement systems are not in use, the systems shall not protrude into the wheelchair space except as provided in T403.5.2.3, 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 when needed for use.

T404 Seat Belts and Shoulder Belts.  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 T403 to secure wheelchairs to vehicles.

T501 General.  The technical requirements in Chapter T5 shall apply where required by Chapter T2.

T502 Circulation Paths

T502.1 General.  Circulation paths connecting wheelchair spaces to doorways shall comply with T502.

T502.2 Clear Width.  The clear width of circulation paths connecting wheelchair spaces to doorways shall be 865 mm (34 inches) minimum from the vehicle floor to a height 1015 mm (40 inches) minimum above the vehicle floor.  From a height 1015 mm (40 inches) minimum above the vehicle floor, the clear width of circulation paths shall be 760 mm (30 inches) minimum to the height specified in Table T502.

Advisory T502.2 Clear Width.  Using a 3D model or other computer design tool that depicts an occupied wheelchair moving from the vehicle doorway to the wheelchair space will help to ensure that the clear width of the circulation path complies with T502.2.

T502.2 Clear Width
(a) vehicles 6.7 m or less
(b) over-the-road bus
(c) vehicles more than 6.7 m

T502.3 Features on Circulation Paths.  Features on circulation paths connecting wheelchair spaces to doorways shall be located so as to not interfere with the maneuvering of wheelchairs.  Stanchions located directly behind the driver seat shall terminate at the surface of aisle facing seats where provided, or shall be turned away from the circulation path below the driver seat.  Where provided on vehicles, fare collection devices shall be located as close to the dashboard as possible.

T503 Doorways

T503.1 Doorways with Lifts or Ramps.  The vertical clearance at doorways with lifts or ramps shall be in accordance with Table T503.1 measured vertically from the top of the door opening to the vehicle floor, or to the surface of the lift or to the highest point of the ramp when deployed to the vehicle floor level.

T503.2 Doorways with Level Entry Boarding.  Doorways with level entry boarding shall comply with T503.2.

T503.2.1 Clear Width.  Doorways shall provide a clear opening of 810 mm (32 inches) minimum.

T503.2.2 Thresholds.  Thresholds at doorways shall be marked by a strip.  The strip shall be 25 mm (1 inch) wide minimum and shall contrast visually with the rest of the circulation path surface either light-on-dark or dark-on-light.

T503.3 Doorways on Over-the-Road Buses.  On over-the road buses, doorways with steps shall provide a clear opening 760 mm (30 inches) minimum from the lowest step tread to a height 1220 mm (48 inches) above the lowest step tread.  Where compliance is not structurally feasible, the clear opening shall be permitted to be 685 mm (27 inches).  The clear opening shall be permitted to taper to 457 mm (18 inches) minimum from a height 1220 mm (48 inches) above the lowest step tread to the top of the doorway.  Hinges and other door mechanisms shall be permitted to protrude 100 mm (4 inches) maximum into the clear opening.

T504 Steps

T504.1 General.  Steps shall comply with T504.

T504.2 Surfaces.  Step tread surfaces shall comply with T802.

T504.3 Visual Contrast.  The outer edge of step treads shall be marked by a strip.  The strip shall be 25 mm (1 inch) 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.

T505 Handrails, Stanchions, and Handholds

T505.1 General.  Handrails, stanchions, and handholds shall comply with T505 and T804.

T505.2 Doorways.  Handrails and stanchions at passenger doorways shall be configured so that passengers with disabilities can grasp the handrails and stanchions from outside the vehicle, and use the handrails and stanchions throughout the boarding and alighting process.

T505.3 Fare Collection Devices.  Handrails at fare collection devices shall be configured so that passengers with disabilities can use the handrail for support when using the fare collection device.

T505.4 Circulation Paths.  Handrails and stanchions along circulation paths shall be configured so that passengers with disabilities can use the handrails when moving through the vehicle.

T505.5 Seats.  Handholds and stanchions on the backs of forward and rear facing seats shall be located directly adjacent to the aisle so that passengers with disabilities can use the handholds and handrails when moving from the aisles to the seats.

[Reserved]

T701 General.  The technical requirements in Chapter T7 shall apply where required by Chapter T2.

T702 Signs

T702.1 General.  Characters on signs shall comply with T702.

T702.2 Character Proportions.  Characters shall be selected from 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".

T702.3 Character Height.  Character height shall comply with Table T702.3.  Character height shall be based on the uppercase letter “I”.

T702.4 Stroke Thickness.  Stroke thickness of the uppercase letter "I" shall be 10 percent minimum and 30 percent maximum of the height of the character.

T702.5 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.

T702.6 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.

T702.7 Contrast.  Characters shall contrast with their background with either light characters on a dark background or dark characters on a light background.

T703 International Symbol of Accessibility.  The International Symbol of Accessibility shall comply with Figure T703.  The symbol shall have a background field height of 100 mm (4 inches) 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.

T703 International Symbol of Accessibility

T704 Automated Stop and Route Announcements 

T704.1 General.  Automated stop and route announcements shall comply with T704, and shall use recorded or digitized human speech.

T704.2 Automated Stop Announcements.  Automated stop announcements shall be audible and visible within the vehicle.  Visible announcements shall be a sign complying with T702 at the front of the vehicle.  Where rear facing wheelchair securement systems are provided, an additional sign complying with T702 shall be located within view of passengers facing the rear of the vehicle.

T704.3 Automated Route Announcements.  Automated route announcements shall be audible at boarding and alighting areas.

T705 Stop Request Systems

T705.1 General.  Stop request systems shall provide audible and visible indicators when passengers request a vehicle to stop at designated stops on the vehicle’s assigned route.  Audible indicators shall be verbal or non-verbal signals, and shall sound only once for each stop.  Visible indicators shall be a light or sign complying with T702 at the front of the vehicle, and shall extinguish when the vehicle door opens at a stop.

T705.2 Operation.  Stop request systems shall be operable at each wheelchair space and at priority seats for passengers with disabilities.  Operable parts shall comply with T805.  At wheelchair spaces, operable parts shall be located on a side wall or partition 610 mm (24 inches) minimum and 915 mm (36 inches) maximum from the side of the wheelchair space facing the back of a wheelchair secured in the wheelchair space.

T801 General.  The technical requirements in Chapter T8 shall apply where required by Chapter T2 or where referenced by a requirement in this document.

T802 Surfaces

T802.1 General.  Surfaces shall comply with T802.

Advisory T802.1Surfaces.  The technical requirements for surfaces in T802 apply to circulation paths (T203.4.1), lift platforms (T302.5.1), ramps and bridgeplates (T303.5), wheelchair spaces (T402.2), and step treads (T504.2).

T802.2 Slip Resistant.  Surfaces shall be slip resistant.

T802.3 Openings.  Openings in surfaces shall not allow the passage of a sphere more than 16 mm (5/8 inch) diameter.  Elongated openings shall be placed so that the long dimension is perpendicular to dominant direction of travel.  Lift platforms that are folded and stowed manually, and ramps and bridgeplates that are deployed manually shall be permitted to have a cut-out in the surface 38 mm (1½ inches) maximum by 115 mm (4½ inches) maximum for the operator to grasp the surface.

T802.4 Protrusions.  Protrusions on surfaces shall be permitted to be 6.4 mm (¼ inch) high maximum.

T802.5 Surface Discontinuities.  Surface discontinuities shall be 6.4 mm (¼ inch) high maximum without edge treatment and 13 mm (½ inch) high maximum with beveled edge treatment.  The bevel shall have a slope not steeper than 1:2 (50 percent) applied across the entire surface discontinuity.

T802.5 Surface Discontinuities

Advisory T802.5 Surface Discontinuities.  Two adjacent surfaces can have discontinuities up to 13 mm (½ inch).  If the surface discontinuity is over 6.4 mm (¼ inch), a bevel with a maximum slope of 1:2 (50 percent) is required, and the bevel must blend the entire surface discontinuity with no lip.

T803 Doorway Lighting.  Lighting at doorways shall comply with Table T803.  Lighting shall not shine directly in the eyes of passengers when entering and exiting doorways.

T804 Additional Requirements for Handrails, Stanchions, and Handholds

T804.1 General.  Handrails, stanchions, and handholds shall comply with T804.

T804.2 Edges.  Edges shall be rounded.

T804.3 Cross Section.  Gripping surfaces shall have a cross section complying with T804.3.1 or T804.3.2.

T804.3.1 Circular Cross Section.  Gripping surfaces with a circular cross section shall have an outside diameter of 32 mm (1¼ inches) minimum and 51 mm (2 inches) maximum.

T804.3.2 Non-Circular Cross Section.  Gripping surfaces with a non-circular cross section shall have a perimeter dimension of 100 mm (4 inches) minimum and 160 mm (6¼ inches) maximum, and a cross section dimension of 57 mm (2¼ inches) maximum.

 

T804.3.2 Non-Circular Cross Section

T804.4 Clearance.  Clearance between gripping surfaces and adjacent surfaces shall be 38 mm (1½ inches) minimum.

T804.4 Clearance

T804.5 Structural Strength.  Handrails on lift platform surfaces shall be capable of withstanding a force of 445 N (100 pounds) applied at any point on the handrail without permanent deformation of the handrail or supporting structure.

T805 Operable Parts 

T805.1 General.  Operable parts shall comply with T805.

T805.2 Height.  Operable parts shall be located 610 mm (24 inches) minimum and 1220 mm (48 inches) maximum above the vehicle floor.

T805.2 Height

T805.3 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 22.2 N (5 lb) maximum.

T806 Fare Collection Devices.  Operable parts of fare collection devices shall comply with T805.  The operable parts shall be located so that a wheelchair can approach within 255 mm (10 inches) maximum.

Advisory T806 Fare Collection Devices.  Fare collection devices that incorporate smart card technology are easier for passengers with disabilities to use.