Bus Accessibility

Bus Riding Tips

Wheelchair Accommodations

Metro buses can accommodate all types of wheelchairs, including three-wheel scooter-chairs, power chairs and small four-wheel chairs. The general requirement is that it must fit on the lift and be able to maneuver to the wheelchair securement area.

Specifically, lifts, ramps and securement areas on Metro buses can accommodate mobility devices up to 30 inches wide and 48 inches long. An attendant may accompany the wheelchair passenger on the lift providing the combined weight does not exceed 600 pounds.

1. Boarding the bus – Bus operators will offer to assist each wheelchair passenger in boarding the bus, reaching the securement area and securing the chair. Wheelchair passengers should enter the lift or ramp slowly and while on the lift, secure their chair so that it will not roll when the lift is in motion. Be aware of items hanging outside of the chair (bags, backpacks, baskets or other items) and make sure they are not in the way while boarding.
2. Securement on the bus – Metro uses a strap system mounted on the floor that can secure a variety of mobility devices.
3. Safety strap program – Metro offers free expert pre-marking of tie-down locations on mobility devices and safety straps for securement points. Both enable faster securement and release aboard buses. For the free pre-marking or installation of safety straps, contact 213.922.8800. See the Safety Straps for Mobility Devices brochure for complete details.
4. Securement areas – Metro policy requires that the operator ask other passengers sitting in the wheelchair securement area to move when a wheelchair passenger boards. The operator will request other passengers to give up their seats, but cannot force them to move.
5. Mechanical failures – In the event there is a problem with the lift or ramp on a bus, the operator will contact Bus Operations Control for a supervisor or another bus to assist the patron using the mobility device. On most Metro routes, another bus with an operating lift or ramp will arrive at the stop in less than 30 minutes.

Accommodations for Riders with Vision Impairments

• Operators call out their route number when pulling up to a stop used by multiple bus lines when a person with a visual impairment is waiting. Special Metro Flash Books with Braille and large print are available at no cost to assist riders with visual impairments in letting bus operators know which route they want. To obtain a Metro Flash Book, please call 213.922.7023.
• Operators announce all transfer points, major intersections, points-of-interest or any other stop upon request. They also make periodic announcements of stops along the route to enable passengers to determine when their stop is approaching. Most Metro buses are equipped with automated systems which announce all stops.

General bus riding tips