Wheelchair Transport

Jay Transportation

Jay Transportation is proud of our most recent advancements made specific to our wheelchair users. As we use larger vans to provide these important services, this holds true for our Shuttle service and Paratransit service as well. Using the proper vans, ramps, lifts and drivers are central to this program. Our attention to detail remains on the following:

devices used for wheelchair securement (tiedown) and belt-type occupant restraints,
wheelchairs intended for use as seats in motor vehicles, and
wheelchair seating systems intended for occupancy in motor vehicles.

Our drivers are trained in transportation safety, usability, and independence for people who remain seated in their wheelchairs when traveling. The seats are firmly anchored to the vehicle floor, and they are designed without rigid sharp edges that could cause injury. The seats are also designed and dynamically tested to ensure that they will provide effective support for the occupant. A properly designed three-point belt restraint will provide effective upper and lower torso restraint by applying forces to the skeletal structures of the body. The vehicle seat and belt restraint system work together to prevent occupant ejection and minimize the potential for occupant contact with the vehicle interior, which causes injury.

Our Vans are designed, manufactured specifically to support and follow State and Federal regulation. We take pride that our drivers will take the time to follow the pertinent "tie down" guidelines as well to assure maximum safety.

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), signed into law in 1990 by President George Bush Sr., does contain requirements specific to wheelchair access, location, and the strength of wheelchair tiedown devices. An excerpt from the ADA follows:

1192.23
(d) Securement devices

(1) Design load. Securement systems on vehicles with GVWRs of 30,000 pounds or above, and their attachments to such vehicles, shall restrain a force in the forward longitudinal direction of up to 2,000 pounds per securement leg or clamping mechanism and a minimum of 4,000 pounds for each mobility aid. Securement systems on vehicles with GVWRs of up to 30,000 pounds, and their attachments to such vehicles, shall restrain a force in the forward longitudinal direction of up to 2,500 pounds per securement leg or clamping mechanism and a minimum of 5,000 pounds for each mobility aid.

(2) Location and size. The securement system shall be placed as near to the accessible entrance as practicable and shall have a clear floor area of 30 inches by 48 inches. Such space shall adjoin, and may overlap, an access path. Not more than 6 inches of the required clear floor space may be accommodated for footrests under another seat provided there is a minimum of 9 inches from the floor to the lowest part of the seat overhanging the space. Securement areas may have fold-down seats to accommodate other passengers when a wheelchair or mobility aid is not occupying the area, provided the seats, when folded up, do not obstruct the clear floor space required.

(3) Mobility aids accommodated. The securement system shall secure common wheelchairs and mobility aids and shall either be automatic or easily attached by a person familiar with the system and mobility aid and having average dexterity.

(4) Orientation. In vehicles in excess of 22 feet in length, at least one securement device or system required by paragraph (a) of this section shall secure the wheelchair or mobility aid facing toward the front of the vehicle. In vehicles 22 feet in length or less, the required securement device may secure the wheelchair or mobility aid either facing toward the front of the vehicle or rearward. Additional securement devices or systems shall secure the wheelchair or mobility aid facing forward or rearward. Where the wheelchair or mobility aid is secured facing the rear of the vehicle, a padded barrier shall be provided The padded barrier shall extend from a height of 38 inches from the vehicle floor to a height of 56 inches from the vehicle floor
with a width of 18 inches, laterally centered immediately in back of the seated individual. Such barriers need not be solid provided equivalent protection is afforded.

(5) Movement. When the wheelchair or mobility aid is secured in accordance with manufacturer's instructions, the securement system shall limit the movement of an occupied wheelchair or mobility aid to no more than 2 inches in any direction under normal vehicle operating conditions.

(6) Stowage. When not being used for securement, or when the securement area can be used by standees, the securement system shall not interfere with passenger movement, shall not present any hazardous condition, shall be reasonably protected from vandalism, and shall be readily accessed when needed for use.

(7) Seat belt and shoulder harness. For each wheelchair or mobility aid securement device provided, a passenger seat belt and shoulder harness, complying with all applicable provisions of 49 CFR part 571, shall also be provided for use by wheelchair or mobility aid users. Such seat belts and shoulder harnesses shall not be used in lieu of a device which secures the wheelchair or mobility aid itself.

For more information see: http://www.access-board.gov/transit/html/vguide.htm