Requirements for Bus or Coach Compliance with Applicable National Transport Standards

Transcription

1 Requirements for Bus or Coach Compliance with Applicable National Transport Standards SUMMARY Attachment Page 1 of 10 Item for Summary Page No. 2 Access path Continuous path of travel min 850mm wide between 4 an entrance and facilities and designated spaces for people with disabilities, reducing between the front wheel arches to 750mm at 300mm above the floor. 3 Manoeuvring areas Circulation space to allow passengers using mobility 4 aids to enter/exit and position their aids in the allocated space. 4 Passing areas N/A 5 Resting points N/A 6 Ramps Boarding ramps must be slip resistant, 800mm wide, 4 & 5 no gaps greater than 40mm, for assisted access no steeper than 1 in 4 (avoid), 1 in 6 preferred, and for unassisted access no steeper than 1 in 8 for up to 1520mm, otherwise 1 in Waiting areas N/A 8 Boarding Boarding ramps a minimum 800mm wide, slip resistant 5 and supporting up to 300kg must be deployed where the gap at an entrance exceeds 12mm vertically and 40mm horizontally, all appropriately signed and signalled. 9 Allocated space Allocated space of min 800mm x 1300mm required. 6 2 spaces per bus if >32 fixed seats, 1 space per bus if <33 fixed seats, outlined and with the international symbol of accessibility. 10 Surfaces Slip resistant, no ridges higher than 3 mm 6 11 Handrails & Grabrails Various requirements on location and detail 7 12 Doorways, Doors Minimum opening 850mm 7 13 Lifts N/A 14 Stairs Stairs must not be the sole means of access. 8 Configuration riser 150mm 165mm, tread 275mm 300mm with 25mm nosing overhang and colour contrasted warning strips to nosing. 15 Toilets If an on board toilet is not accessible an operator must 8 offer stops at reasonable frequency at premises with accessible toilets. 16 Symbols International symbol of accessibility must be on the front 8 of accessible buses and outside accessible doors, with a numeral indicating the number of accessible spaces on the bus.

2 Page 2 of 10 Item for Summary Page No. 17 Signs Signs should be located to be clearly visible to people 9 in both a seated and standing position, preferably between 1400mm and 1600mm above the floor, and at decision points and to various other detailed requirements. 18 Tactile Ground Surface Indicators N/A 19 Alarms N/A 20 Lighting Lighting should be 150 lux min at entrance point and 9 & 10 where passengers pay fares, dimmed as required for operator s vision and other requirements. 21 Controls Various requirements for manual and power operated 10 door controls, door handles and control buttons. 22 Furniture & Fitments N/A 23 Street Furniture N/A 24 Gateways N/A 25 Payment of Fares All passengers must be prepared to pay fares systems 11 must not require actions from passengers with disabilities that exceed requirements for other passengers or offer a form of payment that meets equivalent access principles. 26 Hearing Augmentation Requirements for hearing augmentation if a PA is 11 installed, or provision of alternative visual information. 27 Information General information about services to be available to 11 & 12 all passengers, alternative formats or direct assistance to be provided. Large print timetables to be provided on request, in black on light background 18 pt sans serif characters 28 Booked Services Operators of booked services may request advance 12 notice of a requirement for accessible travel, not to exceed the period of notice specified for other passengers. Requirements for carers, assistance animals, and allocation of accessible seats. 29 Food & Drinks Services N/A 30 Belongings Disability aids to be in addition to normal baggage 12 allowances, and if possible treated in the same way as cabin or accompanied luggage. 31 Priority Operators must designate at least 2 seats on unbooked 12 services as priority seating for passengers with disabilities and inform all passengers by signage or similar.

3 Page 3 of 10 2 Access paths 2.6 (1) Continuous & unhindered passage must be provided with min. width of 850 mm. 2.6 (2) This applies to doorways & stairs & between entrances, exits, allocated spaces & other essential facilities for passengers using wheelchairs & other mobility aids. 2.7 Between front wheel arches of a bus, minimum width of access path may be reduced to 750 mm between floor level & height of 300 mm. 2.8 (1) Access path must extend from entrance of bus to facilities/designated spaces provided for passengers with disabilities. 2.8 (2) Up to 50 mm of an adjacent allocated space may be used as part of the access path. 2.8 (3) If an access path cannot be provided, the operator must provide equivalent access by direct assistance. 3 Manoeuvring areas 3.2 (1) bus only 3.2 (2) bus only Passengers in wheelchairs/mobility aids must be able to enter/exit bus & position aids in allocated space. If this is not practicable, operators must provide equivalent access by direct assistance. 3.3 coach only If the design restrictions of a coach limit on-board manoeuvring areas for wheelchairs & similar aids, the operator of the coach must ensure equivalent access by direct assistance to passengers. 6 Ramps 6.2 A boarding ramp must comply with AS/NZS (1998) Clause 2.1.8: (b) When two or more ramps are deployed, they shall be attached securely to one another, (c) The surface of the ramp shall have a slip-resistant finish. The surface shall be an acceptable surface when tested in accordance with AS Note: Cleats may be provided to assist an attendant using the ramp. (f) A ramp shall have no protrusions extending for more than 6 mm above the surface except when cleats are chosen as an option, & (g) When the ramp is deployed, there shall be no opening or gap in the ramp more than 40 mm. 6.3 Minimum allowable width of a ramp is 800 mm. 6.4 (a) Slope of an external boarding ramp must not exceed: 1 in 14 for un assisted access (AS/NZS (1998) Clause 2.1.8: (e) When deployed, the gradient of the ramp shall be no steeper than 1 in 4. (including the notes)). Notes: 1. While a gradient of 1 in 4 may be essential under some circumstances of assisted access, this gradient should be avoided. A 1 in 6 gradient is the preferred maximum gradient for assisted access. 2. The gradients for access in AS are recommended. For ramps of up to 1520 mm in length 1 in 8 maximum & for longer ramps 1 in 14. If assistance is provided, the gradient could be slightly steeper, e.g. airports use 1 in 12 on aerobridges, but provide assistance. 6.4 (b) Slope of an external boarding ramp must not exceed: 1 in 8 for unassisted access where the ramp length is less than 1520mm. 6.4 (c) Slope of an external boarding ramp must not exceed: Refer to 6.4 (a).

4 Page 4 of 10 8 Boarding 8.2 (1) (a) Manual or power assisted boarding device must be available at any accessible entrance to bus that has vertical rise/gap exceeding 12 mm (AS/NZS (1998) Clause (f): Entryways shall not have a vertical rise of more than 12 mm (see requirements for interface of a platform with the vehicle in AS/NZS (1) (b) Manual or power assisted boarding device must be available at any accessible entrance to bus that has a horizontal gap exceeding 40 mm (AS/NZS (1998) Clause (g): When the ramp is deployed, there shall be no opening or gap in the ramp more than 40 mm. 8.3 (1) If bus has manual or automatic boarding device it must be available for use at all designated stops. 8.3 (2) An available boarding device must be deployed if passenger requests its use. 8.5 (a) Boarding device - min 800 mm wide. 8.5 (b) Boarding device - slip-resistant surface. 8.6 (1) Boarding device must support up to 300 kg. 8.6 (2) Boarding device must be clearly labelled with max load it can carry on the boarding device & next to accessible entrance on outside of bus. 8.7 (1) Signal for requesting deployment of boarding device must be located in allocated space. 8.7 (2) If possible, a signal is to be placed according to dimensions given in AS (1992) Clause 11.4: Call buttons. 8.8 (1) Must be possible for passenger to notify bus operator that they need boarding device to board or alight bus. 8.8 (2) If a request signal device is used, it may be located on bus or at boarding point according to dimensions given in AS (1992) Clause 11.4: Call buttons - Call buttons at entrances shall be located not less than 900 mm & not more than 1100 mm above the plane of the finished floor & not less than 500 mm from an internal corner. Note: Call buttons should have an integral, continuously operating light. Guidelines 8.1 Boarding devices include hoists gangways ramps scissor lifts aerobridges or any other means of getting a passenger on or off a bus. 9 Allocated space 9.1 Min. allocated space for a single wheelchair or similar mobility aid is 800 mm by 1300 mm (AS (1992) Clause 6.1: Clear floor or ground space for a stationary wheelchair The minimum clear floor or ground space required to accommodate a single stationary wheelchair & occupant shall be 800 mm by 1300 mm Clear floor or ground space for wheelchairs may be part of the knee space required under objects. 9.4 (1) At least 2 allocated spaces must be provided in each bus with > 32 fixed seats. 9.4 (2) At least 1 allocated space must be provided in each bus with < 33 fixed seats. 9.4 (3) Allocated space is additional to the fixed seating capacity. 9.7 If possible, allocated spaces are to be consolidated to accommodate larger mobility aids.

5 Page 5 of An operator does not have to provide allocated space in a coach if each passenger uses a fixed seat in the coach. 9.9 Allocated space may be used for other purposes if not required by passengers using wheelchair or mobility aids (1) (a) Floor area of allocated space must display international symbol of accessibility (1) (b) Floor area of allocated space must be outlined in flush contrasting strip 25 mm wide (2) The colours prescribed in AS (2001) Clause 14.2 (c): The colour of the figure shall be white on a blue background, in accordance with Figure 33. The blue shall be B21, Ultramarine of AS 2700, or similar, are not mandatory Allocated space must contain movement of mobility aid towards front or sides of bus. 10 Surfaces 10.1 (1) Ground & floor surfaces must comply with AS (1992) Clause 9: Ground & floor surfaces Ground & floor surfaces shall comply with the requirements for floor surfaces in AS , & with the following: (b) Carpet Where carpet is used on a ground or floor surface, the following requirements apply: (i) The carpet shall be securely attached. (ii) Any pad, backing or cushioning shall provide a firm surface. (iii) The carpet shall have a level loop, a textured loop, a level cut pile or a level cut or uncut pile texture (iv) The pile height shall be not more than 6 mm. (v) Exposed edges of a carpet shall be fastened to the floor surface & shall have a trim along the entire length of any exposed edge. (vi) Carpet edge trim shall create no ridge on the floor surface higher than 3 mm (2) AS Supplement 1 (1993) Clause C12 provides criteria for the selection of floor surfaces to achieve slip resistance. Guidelines Access paths to be stable & level across their width & slip resistant. 11 Handrails and grabrails 11.3 (1) Handrail on steps need not extend beyond top or bottom of steps (2) A domed button may be placed 150 mm from any break or end of a hand rail instead of an extension at a rail end (AS (1992) Figure If installed, a handrail above an access path must comply with AS (2001) Clause 6.1 (c): Handrails The top of handrails shall not be less than 865 mm nor more than 1000 mm above the nosing of the tread or the plane of the finished floor of the walkway or ramp. The handrail should extend 300mm before and after ramp or step surface A grabrail must comply with AS (1992) Clause 10.2: Grabrails The design & construction of grabrails shall comply with AS , & with the following: (a) The clearance between the grabrails & the adjacent wall surface shall be 50mm as specified in the appropriate Clauses of this Standard. (b) Grabrails shall not rotate within their fittings. Note: Grabrails installed in wet areas or outdoors should be slip-resistant when wet Grab/hand rail must be provided at fixed locations where passengers are required to pay fares.

6 Page 6 of Grabrails that comply with AS (1992) Clause 10.2: Grabrails - The design & construction of grabrails shall comply with AS , & with the following: (a) The clearance between the grabrails & the adjacent wall surface shall be 50mm as specified in the appropriate Clauses of this Standard. (b) Grabrails shall not rotate within their fittings. Note: Grabrails installed in wet areas or outdoors should be slip-resistant when wet and must be provided in all allocated spaces. 12 Doorways and doors 12.4 Doorways must comply with AS (1992) Clause : Clear opening of doorways The minimum clear opening of a doorway shall be 850 mm. Note: Doors should be clearly defined by a contrasting frame or trim (1) Doors may be fully automatic (2) Power-assisted doors must not require passengers to grip or twist controls in order to operate opening devices (3) Operators may provide equivalent access to buss by opening manual doors for people with disabilities. 14 Stairs 14.1 Stairs must not be the sole means of access (1) Stairs must comply with Australian Design Rule 58 to the extent that that rule sets requirements that conflict with these standards (2) In any other case, section 14.3: (1) If stairs are provided on a bus mentioned below, they must comply with: (a) the notes on AS (1993) Clause 9.2, Stair geometry The top or bottom step of a flight of stairs shall not encroach into the required circulation spaces. Notes: 1. Although stairways are an impediment to wheelchair users, they can, if properly designed; provide independent access for some with mobility impairments. 2. Stairways should not have open risers. 3. Spiral stairways are hazardous & should be avoided. 4. For vision-impaired persons there should be a strip of contrasting colour (e.g. a painted white line) or texture at least 25 mm wide on the tread at the nosing & tactile indicators at the top & bottom (see AS ), & (b) AS (1992) Clause 13.2, Configuration of steps The configuration of steps shall be riser 150 to 165mm, treads 275mm to 300mm and 25mm nosing overhang. Clause 13.3, Warning strip at nosing of steps Steps shall have a warning strip at the nosing 50mm-75mm horizontally and 25mm-50mm vertically. (2) However, the minimum access path width on stairs in the bus must be 850 mm, applies. 15 Toilets (applies to coaches only) 15.6 If an on-board toilet is not accessible, the operator must offer stops, at reasonable frequency, at premises with accessible toilets.

7 Page 7 of Symbols 16.4 (1) The international symbol of accessibility must be clearly visible on the front of accessible buses (2) The symbol must also appear outside accessible doors, accompanied by a numeral indicating the number of allocated spaces provided by the bus. 17 Signs 17.3 (1) If possible, signs are to be placed in accordance with AS (1992) Clause 17.4: and Figure 30 Signs including symbols, numbering & lettering shall be located as follows: (a) Where they are clearly visible to people in both a seated & standing position. Notes: 1. Signs should be placed within a zone at a height not less than 1400 mm & not more than 1600 mm above the plane of the finished floor. Where space in this zone is used up, the zone for placement of signs may be extended downward to not less than 1000 mm form the plane of the finished floor. This height assists people to read from either a seated or standing position, & also assists people with low vision to read the information on the sign. Letters & symbols in relief assist people with severe visual disabilities.2. Where a sign can be temporarily obscured, e.g. in a crowd, the sign should be placed at a height of not less than 2000 mm above the plane of the finished floor. (b) At changes of direction. (c) At sites where directional decisions are made, to enable the appropriate decisions to be made before a change of direction occurs. (d) Where the surface of the wall surrounding the sign provides sufficient contrast to the sign. If this surface provides insufficient contrast (e.g. patterned wallpapers), the background to the sign shall be increased in size. Notes: 1. The message that the sign carries should be unambiguous. 2. Tactile floor plans or maps & pre-recorded auditory instructions at the main entrance & at other useful locations can be of assistance to people with visual impairment. Figure 30: Zones for viewing are: Standing 1227mm 1872mm, wheelchair 729mm 1709mm, common zone is 1227mm 1709mm (482mm wide) 17.3 (2) If the design of the bus prevents strict compliance, signs must be placed above the head height of passengers, whether they are sitting or standing (3) If used, destination signs must be placed above the windscreen (1) Destination signs must be visible from, or available at, boarding points (2) Destination signs may be displayed on the bus or within the premises or infrastructure. 20 Lighting Any lighting provided must comply with minimum levels of maintenance illumination for 20.2 (1) various situations shown in the notes to AS (1992) Clause 19.1: Illumination levels Illumination levels shall be uniform & comply with the requirements for maintenance illumination set out in AS Notes: 1. The following minimum levels of maintenance illumination are recommended: Entrances Passageways & walkways 150 lx Stairs 150 lx Ramps 150 lx Toilets 200 lx General displays l

8 Page 8 of Many people require better artificial lighting than is normally provided. This applies particularly to older people & to all people with impaired sight. 3. For people with impaired hearing, a level of illumination of not less than 150 lx, without glare, is needed to allow for lip reading (2) Lighting should be at least 150 lux at entrance & point where passenger pays fare Internal lighting may be dimmed as required to avoid reflection interfering with an operator s vision. 21 Controls Passenger-operated devices for opening & closing manual & power-assisted doors on buses 21.2 must comply with AS (1992) Clause 23.2: Operation Controls & operating mechanisms shall be operable with one hand & shall not require tight grasping, pinching, or twisting the wrist., & Clause 23.3., Door handles & hardware the design & performance of door handles & hardware shall comply with AS & with the following: (a) The shape of the door handle shall be such that the hand of a person who cannot grip will not slip from the handle during the operation of the latch. D-Shaped handles will meet this requirement. Knobs on bolts and snibs shall be designed so that they provide an easy grip. (b) Handles shall be clearly identified by colour with luminance contrast to their background of not less than 0.3 (30 percent) (C) Where an outward opening door is not self-closing, a horizontal handrail or pull bar shall be fixed on the closing face of a side-hung door. Notes: 1. Unless required by a regulatory authority, door closers should not be provided. The problem for access posed by door closers is the initial resistance at the commencement of the door-opening operation. 2. Where door closers are required by a regulatory authority, devices such as delayedaction door closers, rising butt hinges and the like are recommended (may apply to a coach toilet) 21.4 (1) Passenger-operated opening & locking controls for doors on buses must be located according to AS (2001) Clause : Location The requirements for the location of opening & locking controls for doors & gates, except in early childhood centres & swimming pool barriers, where their location shall be as required by the relevant statutory authority, are as follows: (a) Controls that need to be grasped or turned shall be not less than 900 mm & not more than 1100 mm above the plane of the finished floor. (b) Controls that only need to be pushed, such as panic bars on egress routes, shall not be less than 900 mm, & not more than 1200 mm above the plane of the finished floor. (c) Controls that only need to be touched shall not be less than 900 mm, & not more than 1250 mm above the plane of the finished floor, & not less than 500 mm from an internal corner except as noted in AS (d) Handles on sliding doors shall be not less than 60 mm from the doorjamb lining. (e) Manual controls to power-operated doors shall be positioned above a level surface not closer than 1000 mm from the arc of a hinged door or clear of a sliding door in the open position, & the door shall remain open for a sufficient period to enable a person with impaired mobility to pass safely through the doorway. Buses that stop on request must be equipped with signal devices that comply with AS (1992) Clauses 23.2: Please refer to part (2) If signal operated by button or pad, one surface dimension must be min. 25 mm. 25 Payment of fares 25.1 All passengers must be prepared to pay fares (1) Fare payment & ticket validation systems must not require actions from passengers with disabilities that exceed requirements for other passengers (2) For passengers who have difficulties with standard fare payment systems, operators & providers must offer a form of payment that meets equivalent access principles.

9 Page 9 of 10 Illumination Illumination shall be provided in accordance with Clause Illumination 25.3 levels shall be uniform & comply with the requirements for maintenance illumination set out in AS Notes: 1. The following minimum levels of maintenance illumination are recommended: Entrances Passageways & walkways 150 lx Stairs 150 lx Ramps 150 lx Toilets 200 lx 2. Many people require better artificial lighting than is normally provided. This applies particularly to older people & to all people with impaired sight. 3. For people with impaired hearing, a level of illumination of not less than 150 lx, without glare, is needed to allow for lip reading. 26 Hearing augmentation 26.2 (a) If a PA is installed people who are deaf or have hearing impairment must be able to receive a message equivalent to the message received by people without hearing impairment. Visual information is the preferred alternative format (b) If a PA system is installed it must comply with AS (1992) Clause 21.1: Hearing augmentation General Where a sound amplification system is provided, a listening system to aid hearing-impaired people shall be installed or made available & shall cover at least 10% of the total area of the enclosed space. A sign indicating that an assistive hearing device is installed or is available shall be provided in accordance with Clause 16 & 17 (Attachment O) at the main door or doors to the enclosed space. Where the listening system does not cover the total area of the enclosed space, the boundaries of the area served shall be designated by such signs. Note: it is recommended that 10 % of each classification of seating within an auditorium be provided with a listening system. 27 Information 27.1 General information about transport services must be accessible to all passengers If information cannot be supplied in a passenger s preferred format, equivalent access must be given by direct assistance (1) Large print format type size must be at least 18 points sans serif characters (2) Copy must be black on a light background All passengers must be given the same level of access to information on their whereabouts during a public transport journey. Guidelines 27.2 (2) -Operators & providers should expect request for information in formats such as standard or large print, Braille, audio, touch-tone telephone, TTY & on-line computer or disks. 28 Booked services (applies to coaches only) 28.1 (1) Operators of booked services may request advance notice of a requirement for accessible travel (1) Any advance notice of a requirement for accessible travel must not exceed the period of notice specified for other passengers (1) On booked services, operators must locate carers, assistants or service animals with the passenger with whom they are travelling (2) In the case of carers or assistants, this would normally be in an adjoining seat.

10 Page 10 of (3) If a passenger is travelling with a service animal, the animal must be able to accompany the passenger at all times & to travel without encroaching onto an access path (1) Accessible seats must be kept for passengers with disabilities (2) Operators must allocate unbooked accessible seats to other passengers only after all other seats are filled. 30 Belongings (applies to coaches only) 30.1 (1) Disability aids (eg equipment & apparatus including mobility & medical aids) are to be in addition to normal baggage allowances (2) If possible, disability aids are to be treated in the same way as cabin or accompanied baggage. 31- Priority 31.1 Operators must designate at least 2 seats provided on their unbooked bus as priority seating for passengers with disabilities & other groups in need of special assistance Operators must inform all relevant passengers (by signage or similar systems) that they should vacate an identified priority seat or allocated space if a passenger with a disability requires it Access and Assistance 33.3 Equivalent Access (1) Compliance with these standards may be achieved by: (a) applying relevant specifications in these Standards before the target dates; or (b) using methods, equipment and facilities that provide alternative means of access to the public transport service concerned (but not using separate or parallel services) with equivalence of amenity, availability, comfort, convenience, dignity, price and safety. (2) This may include direct assistance over and above that required simply to overcome discrimination Direct Assistance (1) Nothing in these Standards prevents operators or providers from offering assistance directly to passengers. (2) If these standards have not been fully met, direct assistance may be a means of providing equivalent access. (3) In addition to compliance with other provisions of these Standards, direct assistance to passengers is required if: (a).it is necessary to provide equivalent access to a service; & (b) direct access can reasonably be provided without justifiable hardship. NOTES 1. VLine Passenger requests that passengers book a wheelchair space on a coach 24 hrs in advance of travel to allow time for the operators to schedule the coach fitted with the wheelchair hoist, and arrange removal of seats for the allocated space. 2. Scooters and mobility aids other than wheelchairs which meet the DDA DSAPT wheelchair footprint dimensions of 800mm X 1300 mm should be carried on buses on V/Line coaches passengers with scooters are asked to transfer to a normal seat as it is unsafe for them to travel on the scooter. The scooter becomes subject to any obligations as a piece of luggage. Due to occupational health and safety drivers are not required to lift more than 20kgs does. However, V/Line does allow scooters in the luggage compartment if others are prepared to load at the beginning and end of the journey. Where restraints are fitted drivers will restrain wheelchairs. Some drivers take scooters onboard at their own discretion. 3. Restraint of mobility aids is not required under the DDA DSAPT. 4. Service animals as defined in the DDA DSAPT should be accommodated on buses and coaches in accordance with the requirements and Guidelines.