Operators on designated buses are trained and ready to assist passengers
Winnipeg, MB – The first of Winnipeg Transit’s newest buses will begin operating this week with new securement systems for mobility devices such as wheelchairs and scooters.
Two new securement systems will be available on the 32 buses Winnipeg Transit purchased for 2021 as part of its regular Bus Replacement Program -- the Quantum and the Q-Pod.
The use of securement systems for wheelchairs and scooters helps keep all passengers safe, and all bus operators assigned to routes where the new buses will be used are trained and ready to assist passengers using the new securement systems.
“Each new bus has both types of the new securements,” explained Greg Ewankiw, Director of Winnipeg Transit. “The Quantum is rear-facing and located behind the operator’s compartment, and holds wheelchairs and scooters in place with pressurized automated arms. The Q-Pod is a forward-facing 3-point securement station on the other side of the aisle.
“Our operators on designated buses are trained and ready to assist passengers with securement using both systems, and with boarding and alighting the bus if requested. We’re pleased to see this new investment in accessible transit hit the streets.”
The buses equipped with the new securement systems will be designated with decals located outside the front door and in the Priority Seating Area.
Passengers using Navigo can also look for the following symbol to find the designated buses on Winnipeg Transit’s online schedules.
More information on how the new securement systems work is available at winnipeg.ca/accessibletransit.
Transit is introducing the new securement systems, and ensuring operators on designated buses are trained and ready to assist, as part of a phased-in approach to ensure compliance with transportation requirements under the draft Accessibility for Manitobans Act. In future phases, all operators will receive additional training and will be ready to assist with securement of mobility devices using all types of securement systems available on buses in the Winnipeg Transit fleet.