Travel Training
SamTrans offers one-on-one travel training, free of charge, to teach people with disabilities how to ride the bus. Working with skilled instructors, participants learn where to wait, how to get on the right bus, how to pay the fare, where to sit, how to get off at the right stop, how to make connections and how to get help if they have trouble during the trip. Candidates for travel-training include those who use a wheelchair or walker, who are blind or visually impaired or people with developmental disabilities. People with developmental disabilities may need further assessment by a travel-training instructor who can develop an individual program that’s presented in stages at a pace determined by the participant. For more information, call SamTrans at 650-508-6202 (TTY 650-508-6448).

Bus Stops
Many SamTrans bus stops already meet regulations established by the Americans with Disabilities Act. Newer bus stops are ADA accessible. Bus lifts and ramps can be deployed at many stops which do not meet full regulations.

Discounted Fares
Seniors, persons with disabilities and Medicare cardholders may ride all Bay Area public transit systems at a discount if they hold a Regional Transit Connection Discount Card, Medicare card, Department of Motor Vehicles Disabled Placard Identification Card or proof of age 65 or older.

To request an RTC Discount Card application, call SamTrans Customer Service at 1-800-660-4287 (TTY 650-508-6448) or visit www.samtrans.com/RTCDC.html.

Boarding - Lifts and Ramps
All SamTrans buses are equipped with lifts or ramps that can be used by people who use mobility devices or cannot climb steps. For a two-wheeled Electric Personal Assistive Mobility Device, see the instructions in the mobility device section on the other side. Each bus also has a kneeling feature that lowers the front end so the first step is easier to reach. If you have difficulty boarding the bus, ask the operator to lower the front end or deploy the lift or ramp.

Seating and Securement Area
The side-facing seats in the front of every bus and the first two forward-facing seats are priority seating for seniors and persons with disabilities.

Seats on either side of the bus near the front fold up to allow room for securing mobility devices. Space is available on a first-come, first-served basis. For safety, SamTrans recommends that passengers in three- or four-wheeled scooters transfer to a seat, if possible.

If you need to use one of these areas and they are occupied, inform the operator, who will help you find a seat. The operator may ask a passenger to move but cannot compel a passenger to vacate his or her seat.

Announcements
All SamTrans buses are equipped with an automated system that makes amplified announcements of major transfer points, intersections and destinations. An electronic message board inside the bus simultaneously displays the same information. External loudspeakers announce the route number and destination of the bus at all bus stops.

Getting Off the Bus
On most buses, there is a bell cord in the wheelchair area that is easy to reach. Some buses also have a touch bar to request a passenger stop. If you are unable to pull the bell cord or press the touch bar, tell the operator when you get on the bus which stop you need. Operators will announce any stop on request. When you board, ask the operator to call out your stop and sit in the front seat so that the operator can let you know when the bus has reached your stop.

Service Animals
Service animals, such as guide dogs, may accompany persons with disabilities on the bus. The animal must be under the constant supervision and control of the person with disabilities. It must be on a lead that does not interfere with other passengers. While riding, the animal must sit or stand on the vehicle floor without blocking the aisle. If the animal misbehaves, the customer will be asked to remove the animal from the vehicle. Riding privileges may be revoked for repeated misbehavior.

Using a Mobility Device on SamTrans
All SamTrans buses can accommodate mobility devices that are a maximum of 30 inches by 48 inches and do not exceed 600 pounds, including the weight of the occupant. If your mobility device exceeds this standard, call SamTrans at 650-508-6202 so that it can be determined if the device can be accommodated on the bus.

Two-wheeled Mobility Devices
Electric Personal Assistive Mobility Devices, including Segways, are permitted to board if they are no larger than 20 inches deep, 25 inches wide and 60 inches high. The EPAMD must be “off” at all times during boarding and transport. You may push or pull the EPAMD onto the ramp or lift when boarding or deboarding. The bus operator cannot assist with moving the EPAMD. You may accompany but not ride the EPAMD on the lift, holding the hand rail for support. You may need to lower your head to clear the entrance. In the vehicle, position your EPAMD in one of the two securement positions available for mobility devices. The operator will secure the EPAMD. Sit in the closest available seat.

You may be asked to remove your handlebar bag to facilitate securement of the EPAMD.

EPAMDs with panniers that exceed the above dimensions will not be allowed on the bus.

Boarding
Remove poles or flags attached to your mobility device before boarding.

If you need to use the lift or the ramp, the bus operator will ask you to board the bus before any other passengers. When you arrive at your stop, the operator will help you off the bus after other passengers.

When boarding the lift in a wheelchair, it is recommended that you back onto the lift platform. Lock your brakes to prevent rolling while the lift is in operation. Once the device is secure, the operator will raise the lift until it is level with the bus floor.

When boarding a ramp in a wheelchair, it is recommended that you face forward.

When boarding a lift or ramp with an EPAMD it is recommended that you face forward.

Securing a Mobility Device
You must allow the bus operator to secure your mobility device. However, the Americans with Disabilities Act states that if your mobility device cannot be secured, you may still ride the bus.

Belts
The bus is equipped with belts to secure wheelchairs and scooters. The belts on the majority of SamTrans buses are a retractable design, making it easy for bus operators to quickly secure the mobility device. All buses also have a lap belt (or lap and shoulder belt) to secure the passenger.

Back-Up Service
SamTrans bus operators are required to test the lift or ramp to make sure it is working properly before starting their route. If the lift fails to operate when the bus is in service, the bus operator will call the dispatcher to determine when the next bus is scheduled to arrive. If the bus will arrive within 30 minutes and the weather is good and/or there is a bus shelter you can wait in, the operator will ask you to wait for the next bus. Otherwise, the dispatcher will send a paratransit vehicle to transport you. If the ramp fails to operate electronically, the operator can deploy it manually.

We appreciate your comments.
Call 1-800-660-4287
(TTY) 650-508-6448
1250 San Carlos Ave.
San Carlos, CA 94070-1306

12/23/09 - pb/rl