Bus Riding Tips for Customers with Disabilities
Providing people of all mobility levels with access to bus service is a priority for Plymouth Metrolink. Every bus is equipped with a wheelchair lift. All connecting trips are accessible with either a wheelchair lift or ramp. All buses in the regional system are accessible with either a wheelchair lift or ramp. 

For Customers Who Are Hearing or Vision Impaired
Our bus drivers are trained to recognize "bus identifier cards." These cards can be used by customers with vision or hearing impairments to display the bus route number they are waiting for. The cards are color-coded to identify the disability so the driver can offer effective assistance when the customer gets on the bus. For information on how to get a bus identifier card, call customer relations at 612-373-3333. For TTY route and schedule information, call 711 – Minnesota Relay. For customer relations, call 612-349-7439.

Boarding the Bus Using the Lift
Wait for your bus seven to ten feet from the curb. This allows enough room for the lift to be lowered properly. Customers who require the lift to board the bus should notify the driver and should be prepared to board first.

Plymouth Metrolink drivers are thoroughly trained in operating accessible features and are able to help customers get on and off the bus if necessary. When the lift is lowered, the driver will indicate when it is safe to board. The lift will beep when it is in motion. If you use a wheelchair, we recommend that you back the chair onto the lift. However, it is acceptable to board facing the driver if it is easier for you.

Make sure your brakes are locked. Handrails are provided for extra safety. An attendant may ride on the lift with you to help you secure the safety belts.

The spaces for customers in wheelchairs are located at the front of the bus and include safety belts for your protection. Once you are at this location, the driver is required to check the belts and make sure your chair is secured. The lap belt should be used at all times unless it is physically impossible to do so.

Exiting the Bus Using the Lift
Drivers will announce all major intersections and the points where the bus connects with other routes. As the bus approaches your stop, signal to the driver by pulling the cord near the window, pushing the vertical bar or verbally notifying the driver.

Customers not using the lift should exit first. The driver will then activate the lift for those who need to use it. If needed, the driver will help you unbuckle the wheelchair belts and position your chair facing outward on the lift. When you are in position, lock your brakes and shut off the power on motorized wheelchairs. If possible, hold the handrails.

When you reach ground level, unlock your brakes or turn on your power switch and move away from the lift. Likewise, customers who stand on the lift should face outward and hold the hand rails as the driver lowers the lift to ground level.

The park and ride lots, the Reserve and Transit Station 73 are all ADA accessible.

About Wheelchairs
The Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA) defines a wheelchair as a mobility aid belonging to any class of three or four-wheeled devices, usable indoors, designed for and used by individuals with mobility limitations, whether operated manually or powered.

According to the ADA, in order to be carried in a public transit vehicle, such a device cannot exceed 30 inches in width and 48 inches in length when measured two inches above the ground. The ADA also states that service will not be provided if the combined weight of the rider and the wheelchair exceeds 600 pounds.

When possible, for the safety of the occupant, occupants of scooter-type wheelchairs will be asked to transfer from the scooter to a vehicle seat.

About Animals
Service Animals:  Service and/or therapy animals are always welcome. The animal must be under the control of the rider throughout the trip and while boarding and exiting. Drivers and other passengers may not control the animal at any time. Service animals may sit on the floor or in the rider's lap. Service animals may not sit in a passenger seat.

Pets:  Riders may bring a pet with them if there is space on the vehicle and the animal is properly caged.

Grievance Procedure
The City of Plymouth has established a Grievance Procedure to meet the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). It may be used by anyone who wishes to file a complaint alleging discrimination based on disability in the provision of City of Plymouth transit services.

If a person with a disability is unable to access City of Plymouth transit services, they are encouraged to fill out the ADA Title II complaint form.

The City of Plymouth will contact the complaint within 15 calendar days after receipt of the complaint to discuss the complaint and will respond in writing within 15 days of the discussion.  

Contact
Plymouth Transit
Plymouth City Hall | 3400 Plymouth Blvd. | Plymouth, MN 55447-1482
P 763-509-5535 | F 763-509-5510 | TDD 763-509-5065 | transit@plymouthmn.gov