CFR

CFR

37.169—Interim requirements for over-the-road bus service operated by private entities.

(a) Private entities operating over-the-road buses, in addition to compliance with other applicable provisions of this part, shall provide accessible service as provided in this section.

(b) The private entity shall provide assistance, as needed, to individuals with disabilities in boarding and disembarking, including moving to and from the bus seat for the purpose of boarding and disembarking. The private entity shall ensure that personnel are trained to provide this assistance safely and appropriately.

(c) To the extent that they can be accommodated in the areas of the passenger compartment provided for passengers' personal effects, wheelchairs or other mobility aids and assistive devices used by individuals with disabilities, or components of such devices, shall be permitted in the passenger compartment. When the bus is at rest at a stop, the driver or other personnel shall assist individuals with disabilities with the stowage and retrieval of mobility aids, assistive devices, or other items that can be accommodated in the passenger compartment of the bus.

(d) Wheelchairs and other mobility aids or assistive devices that cannot be accommodated in the passenger compartment (including electric wheelchairs) shall be accommodated in the baggage compartment of the bus, unless the size of the baggage compartment prevents such accommodation.

(e) At any given stop, individuals with disabilities shall have the opportunity to have their wheelchairs or other mobility aids or assistive devices stowed in the baggage compartment before other baggage or cargo is loaded, but baggage or cargo already on the bus does not have to be off-loaded in order to make room for such devices.

(f) The entity may require up to 48 hours' advance notice only for providing boarding assistance. If the individual does not provide such notice, the entity shall nonetheless provide the service if it can do so by making a reasonable effort, without delaying the bus service.