MOBILITY AIDS:

The following is a guide to using a mobility aid on a METRO SCAT or regular line service bus.

"I use a wheelchair. Can I use regular bus line service?"

Of course you can! ALL METRO SCAT buses, regular line service buses and trolleys are equipped with lifts for people who use wheelchairs or mobility aids.

"What is the difference between SCAT and regular line service?"

SCAT is a Monday-through-Friday service available to people with disabilities or persons over 62 years of age who need to be picked up at home and dropped off directly at a specific destination. You must be preregistered and call the SCAT office at least one day before you need to schedule your trip. You also must schedule your return trip at that time. Regular line service offers you more freedom than SCAT. Line service buses operate on a fixed schedule and do not travel off route. You do not have to call ahead to schedule your trip, so you can go wherever you want, whenever you want. Plus, regular line service is less expensive, has extended hours and runs seven-days-a-week.

"What types of wheelchairs or mobility aids are accommodated on regular line service?"

Most types of wheelchairs or mobility aids are accommodated on all METRO buses, provided they fit on the lift platform. In order for your mobility aid to fit properly on the lift and in the designated area on the bus, it must meet the following requirements:

Maximum length: 48 inches

Maximum width: 30 inches

Maximum weight: 600 pounds

"What should I do to make sure I have a safe trip on the bus?"

Plan ahead! Know your destination and familiarize yourself with the stops on your route. Experienced passengers who use wheelchairs recommend that you:

• back on to the lift, not drive straight in.

• enter and exit the lift area slowly.

• always set your brakes when you are on the lift platform.

• don’t bump or roll into the outer lift barrier.

• once inside the bus, warn other passengers to watch their feet as you roll through.

"I have never ridden regular line service before. Will the operator help me get on the lift and secure my mobility aid once I’m on the bus?"

The bus operator’s job is to assist you! Just make sure the operator knows that you would like his or her assistance. After operating the lift from the driver’s seat, the bus operator can help you secure your mobility aid.

"What happens if the bus lift is not working or if the bus service is interrupted?"

Wait for the next regular line service bus or a SCAT bus will be called to pick you up.

"What should I do if I have more questions or comments?"

Just call the METRO customer service center at 330/762-0341 and they will be happy to assist you or direct you to someone who can.

Some helpful tips when boarding the bus with a mobility aid:

1. Back your chair slowly on to the lift. Set your hand brakes.

2. The bus operator will raise you on the lift to the floor of the bus from the driver’s seat.

3. Once the bus operator tells you it is safe, move your chair slowly into the securement area. Watch out for other passengers!

4.There is a wheel clamp, an "S" hook and a lap belt in the securement area. The operator will secure both the clamp and hook for you. All of this equipment accommodates most types of wheelchairs/mobility aids.

5.There is a personal lap belt in the securement area for you to fasten. For your added safety, we suggest the use of this personal lap belt. Let the operator know if you need assistance.

6.Pull or push the accessible stop signal cord along the wall to let the operator know that your stop is coming up. If you are not sure how to locate the stop cord, ask the operator.

7.To exit the bus, reverse the boarding procedure. At ground level, wait for the lift barriers to lower, look right and left, then exit.

METRO's Wheelchair Securement Policy

Important Numbers

METRO fixed route information and customer service
330.762.0341or toll-free at 1.800.227.9905

ADA cards and applications and METRO SCAT information
330.376.5353

TDD Ohio Relay
1.800.750.0750