Interim ADA Rules Review By Carmen Daecher

Until the DOT issues final rules for over-the-road buses and OTRB service relating to ADA, the industry must comply with interim rules. When DOT issues the Notice of Proposed Rulemaking for the final rules, a period of time for public comments will follow. Then DOT will write the final rules and finally publish them. They would take effect two years after that for small companies and three years after for large companies.

As a reminder to operators, following is a review of the interim ADA regulations that have been in effect since September 1991. These regulations only apply to OTRBs and OTRB service. If a company operates other types of vehicles (e.g., vans, cutaways, etc.), final rules already apply.

Interim Service Rules

Interim ADA rules for OTRB service require that companies provide service to individuals with disabilities, including persons who use wheelchairs.

  • Companies must provide assistance to such persons in boarding, disembarking, and moving to and from the bus seat.
  • Personnel must be trained to provide the assistance safely and appropriately.
  • Companies may require up to 48 hours advance notice for individuals needing boarding assistance. If the individual does not provide the required notice, companies still must make a reasonable effort to provide the necessary boarding assistance so long as it does not cause a delay in the service.

Mobility Aids

Wheelchairs and other mobility aids, to the extent feasible, must be permitted inside the passenger compartment. If not feasible, devices must be stored in the baggage compartment unless the size of the compartment prevents such accommodation. Drivers and/or other staff must provide assistance with the stowage and retrieval of the devices.

At any stop, persons with disabilities have the right to have their wheelchairs or other assistive devices stowed in the baggage compartment before other baggage or cargo is loaded. Baggage or cargo already on the bus does not have to be offloaded to make room for wheelchairs or other mobility aids.

Interim Bus Rules

Private bus companies must comply with interim vehicle-related OTRB rules. These rules state that:

  • Doors must have a clear opening of at least 27 inches and floor surfaces must be slip resistant.
  • All step edges must have a band of color running the full width which contrasts with the step tread and riser.
  • Handrails and stanchions must be provided in the entrance, allowing passengers to grasp them from outside and use them throughout the boarding process.
  • The vehicle doorway, stepwell, and area adjacent to the driver must be sufficiently lighted.

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