Accessibility at GOVA Transit

GOVA Transit is committed to providing accessible transit services to residents of Greater Sudbury and provides several accessible travel options for persons with disabilities. 

In addition to the specialized transit service provided by GOVA Plus, the conventional GOVA transit system is an accessible transit service, with a fleet of accessible buses and service features.

Routes and schedules of the conventional GOVA system also support riders with flexibility and spontaneity of travel.

Accessible features of the conventional GOVA system include:

• Accessible fleet: All buses in the conventional fleet are 100 per cent low-floor accessible buses. Buses are equipped with automated ramps for passengers with mobility aids. Additionally, conventional buses can accommodate two wheelchairs in a safe, rear-facing position with a timesaving one-strap restraint. Conventional buses also have fold-up seats to accommodate mobility devices.
• Pre-boarding and on-board announcements: All buses provide internal and external announcements. On-board audio and visual next stop announcements alert riders to upcoming stops and external display screens and announcements provide riders with the name and number of the route they are travelling on.  
• Priority seating for persons with disabilities: As required under the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005, all buses have priority seating located at the front of the bus for persons with disabilities. Wider aisles in the priority seating area near the front of the bus provide more room for passengers with wheelchairs and scooters to maneuver into position.
• Support persons: The GOVA Transit Support Person Assistance Card is a photo identification card that identifies the card holder as a person who, because of a disability, needs to be accompanied by a support person. A support person is someone specifically employed or designated by an individual to assist with daily living needs, including travel. Upon payment of fare by or for the card holder, the Support Person Assistance Card permits one support person to travel with the card holder on GOVA Transit at no additional cost. The Support Person Assistance Card applies only to GOVA Transit. Clients of GOVA Plus should complete this form if they plan to travel on conventional buses with a support person. GOVA Plus does not require a Support Person Assistance Card.  Application forms are available at the GOVA Downtown Mobility Hub Information Kiosk, 9 Elm Street, Sudbury, or applications can be completed online.
• Guide dogs and service animals: As these working animals are trained to assist and may perform tasks for persons with disabilities, they are allowed on board GOVA Transit buses. When it is not readily apparent (can’t easily and clearly be seen) that an animal is a service animal, the driver may request a letter from a physician or nurse confirming that the person requires the animal for reasons relating to their disability. All other animals not classified as a guide dog or service animal must be secured within a proper carrying container that can be placed on the floor of the bus and not on the seats or wheel wells.
• Travel training: GOVA Transit also offers a travel training program for groups of riders who need additional knowledge and skills to travel more independently. There is no charge for this program and through it, riders will learn where to find information about bus stops, schedules, routes, fares and how to use transit ride cards and 31-day passes. Participants will also learn how to board and exit a bus with a mobility device and how to ride the bus safely and courteously.