STATUS OF LOW-FLOOR TRANSIT BUS DEVELOPMENT TO OFFICE OF TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE AND SAFETY, FEDERAL TRANSIT ADMINISTRATION

Prior to the enactment of The Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA), 504 Regulations required the transit industry to provide accessible buses for wheelchair occupants mainly by wheelchair lifts or ramps. ADA requires that transit buses be accessible to virtually all disabled persons. For transit this means that accessibility approaches other than lifts may be required. This report reflects another approach to the accessibility issue, namely low-floor buses. The report describes the status of low-floor bus developments in North America and Europe and the current availability from both European and North American bus manufacturers. In addition, these current developments are analyzed to determine whether they are meaningful contributions to the ultimate goal of complying with the new accessible vehicle guidelines. Differences between U.S. and European design objectives, passenger seating, multi-level floor interior, as well as specific legislation and requirements for accommodating disabled persons on transit buses are discussed.