Disability Accessibility

BRATS transit vehicles are equipped with safety features including hand rails, well-lit marked steps, and 30" - 33"  lifts.  Consistent with Department of Transportation regulations, BRATS will transport a mobility device/wheelchair with three or more wheels and its occupant so long as the lift can safely accommodate the size and weight of the mobility device and its occupant and there is space for the mobility device on the vehicle to be safely secured.  The definition of a wheelchair is a  manually-operated or powered-driven device designed primarily for the use by an individual with mobility disability for the main purpose of indoor or/and outdoor locomotion. Examples are manual and power wheelchairs and electric scooter used by people with mobility disabilities.  BRATS drivers are not permitted to operate powered mobility devices.

Passengers utilizing a wheelchair may transfer to a regular seat in the vehicle, if the passenger wishes to do so and is able to complete the transfer with no assistance from the driver. Drivers are not permitted to lift or pull any individual to enable them to transfer into or out of a regular seat or wheelchair. Passengers utilizing 3-wheeled scooter style mobility devices are strongly encouraged to transfer to a regular passenger seat due to the lack of stability of these type devices.

BRATS requires that all mobility devices be secured when being transported utilizing the 4-point securement system within our vehicles. Our drivers have been trained and are required to use a 4 and 6-point tie-down system for the safest securement for our passengers.  Only BRATS trained staff is to operate the lift systems on our vehicles. 

For origin to destination service, your home ramp must meet safety specifications, or you will be required to meet the driver at the vehicle.  The safety specifications for home ramps states that they must be at least 36” wide, and that the maximum slope is 1:12 (it must have only a 1” rise for every 12” of incline).  Further, the ramp must be constructed of decking boards installed crosswise for traction, and must have guard rails on each side. Ramps and wheelchair paths must be properly paved and/or kept clear of snow, ice, parked cars, trash, gravel, tree roots and other obstructions.

If your mobility devices and/or ramps don’t meet the standard safety requirements, due to safety concerns we will request that these items be brought up to standards to eliminate safety hazards before our driver will be able to assist you further.

Any passenger requesting to utilize the lift for boarding and de-boarding the vehicle is welcome to do so. Please refer to the BRATS policy on passenger assistance and parcels for additional information.

Service Animals