Welcome aboard CDTA iride

If you are a wheelchair user - whether you're able to get around by yourself or must be accompanied to do so - you should know that the CDTA accessible system makes it possible to travel around town.

Low-floor buses are not meant to replace the transportation service for persons with disabilities, namely the paratransit; it is rather a complement. Low-floor buses can carry only two wheelchairs at a time, and wheelchair users must board with the ramp by the front door.

Boarding Procedure
The wheelchair user’s reserved area is located near the front door and is well identified inside low-floor buses.

For obvious safety reasons, the bus driver will not deploy the wheelchair ramp until all other customers have boarded or alighted the bus. The wheelchair user must wait until the ramp is fully extended before moving the wheelchair on it.

Once inside, please wait till the front door is completely closed, then backup the wheelchair until it sits firmly against the designated area.

You will then be facing towards the front of the bus. Do not position the wheelchair any other way.

Because of driving hazards, the bus could be forced into sudden manoeuvres. Be sure to lock the brakes on your wheelchair before the bus starts moving.

And if your wheelchair has a seat belt, we would advise you to buckle up!

In case of a problem – mechanical or other – you can rest assured that driver will promptly communicate with the Road Supervisor.

For security reasons, the driver must remain on his seat at all times.

The driver monitors the full-length of the bus – including the wheelchair reserved area – with the rear-view mirror.

For safety reasons, if there is an obstruction at your stop, the driver will ask you to exit at the next accessible bus stop. Once the bus has stopped and after other customers have alighted, please move your wheelchair in front of the front door.

The driver will then kneel the bus (if needed), deploy the wheelchair ramp and command the opening of the door.

Customers with a mobility impairment onboard the bus
If the problem should be mechanical: While other customers are invited to board the next bus, the wheelchair user is invited either to stay on the bus or to move to a more secure location with the help of a Supervisor.

Do I have to pay for this service?
Regular fare – or reduced fare, if applicable – is mandatory to board low-floor buses.

Is the service available during winter?
The accessible service is available year-round. This information is also available by calling at the CDTA (518 482-8822).

Is the service offered on all low-floor buses?
Yes! All low-floor buses in service on CDTA buses.

Are all types of wheelchairs accepted onboard? 
Regular wheelchairs, motorized wheelchairs and power scooters are accepted. We may not be able to accommodate you if your wheelchair/scooter is wider than 31”, longer than 48”, when measured 2” off the ground, or if your total weight with your wheelchair is more than 600 pounds. Note that wheelchairs equipped with a large bag in the back might be problematic.

The following devices are not allowed to be used to transport CDTA customers:

Geri Charis and Stretchers. We can accommodate Transport Chairs, however for safety concerns, the customer must transfer into a regular seat during transport. Transport Chairs are not equipped for an individual to be seated in the chair during transportation in a moving vehicle. 

Wheelchair Accessible Bus Routes

All routes are accessible.

Wheelchair Safety, Seat Belts for Safety, Refusing Service

Wheelchair Securement

• All wheelchairs must be transported in a forward facing position.
• All wheelchairs will be secured at 4 (four) points.
• A seat belt is required for all wheelchairs users.

Seat Belts for Safety
All STAR passengers, including those using wheelchairs, are required to wear seat belts.

Refusing Service
CDTA reserves the right to refuse service to any passenger who is a direct threat or a significant risk to the health or safety of others.