Accessible features of the conventional GOVA system
Accessible fleet: all buses in the conventional fleet are 100% 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 seating position with a timesaving one strap restraint. Conventional buses also have fold up seats to accommodate mobility devices.
Mobility devices: GOVA buses can accommodate mobility devices up to 48 inches in length and 30 inches in width. GOVA buses are unable to accommodate anything larger. Passengers using scooters must transfer to a seat to avoid the risk of injury to themselves and others.
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 or 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. This seating area is clearly identified to remind passengers that it is reserved for persons who need it most. Priority seating automatically folds up when not in use to make room for two wheelchairs and/or scooters per bus.
Watch a video of a passenger with a mobility device using the redesigned seating area.
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.