Department of Transportation Disability Law Guidance: Questions and Answers Concerning Wheelchairs and Bus and Rail Service
Is a transportation operator required to procure vehicles with lifts that have a design load of more than 600 pounds?
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No. 49 CFR Part 38 continues to require that lifts have a minimum design load of 600 pounds and that the lift platform accommodate a wheelchair measuring 30 inches by 48 inches. However, if a transportation operator procures vehicles with lifts that have a design load of more than 600 pounds, or the platform and vehicle will accommodate a wheelchair that exceeds the dimension of 30 inches by 48 inches, the operator must carry the wheelchair and its occupant.*
* Some changes to design loads and dimensional limits for wheelchair lifts have been made by the Next Generation Corridor Equipment Pool Committee, i.e., the “305 committee” to specifications for certain intercity and high-speed railcars. These are not regulatory changes or requirements but may be applicable. For more information, see http://www.highspeed-rail.org.
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