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Part 1192 -- Americans
With Disabilities Act (ADA)
Accessibility Guidelines for Transportation
Vehicles
NOTE: This document contains the Board's accessibility guidelines for
vehicles which are codified at 36 CFR Part 1192. The implementing regulations
of the Department of Transportation are codified at 49 CFR Part 38. Except for
some minor editorial differences, they are identical and, except for the
prefix, the numbering systems are parallel. For example, Section 1192.23 in
this document corresponds to 38.23 in the DOT regulation.
Sec.
Authority: Americans With Disabilities Act of 1990, Pub. L. 101-336, 104
Stat. 370 (42 U.S.C. 12204).
Subpart A-General
§1192.1 Purpose.
This part provides minimum guidelines and requirements for accessibility
standards to be issued by the Department of Transportation in 49 CFR part 37
for transportation vehicles required to be accessible by the Americans with
Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990, 42 U.S.C. 12101 et seq.
§1192.2 Equivalent facilitation.
Departures from particular technical and scoping requirements of these
guidelines by use of other designs and technologies are permitted where the
alternative designs and technologies used will provide substantially equivalent
or greater access to and usability of the vehicle. Departures are to be
considered on a case-by-case basis by the Department of Transportation under the
procedure set forth in 49 CFR 37.7.
§1192.3 Definitions.
Accessible means, with respect to vehicles covered by this part,
compliance with the provisions of this part.
Automated guideway transit (AGT) system means a fixed-guideway
transportation system which operates with automated (driverless) individual
vehicles or multi-car trains. Service may be on a fixed schedule or in response
to a passenger-activated call button. Such systems using small, slow moving
vehicles, often operated in airports and amusement parks, are sometimes called
"people movers".
Bus means any of several types of self-propelled vehicles, other than
an over-the-road bus, generally rubber tired, intended for use on city streets,
highways, and busways, including but not limited to minibuses, forty- and
thirty-foot transit buses, articulated buses, double-deck buses, and electric
powered trolley buses, used to provide designated or specified public
transportation services. Self-propelled, rubber tire vehicles designed to look
like antique or vintage trolleys or street cars are considered buses.
Common wheelchairs and mobility aids means belonging to a class of
three or four wheeled devices, usable indoors, designed for and used by persons
with mobility impairments which do not exceed 30 inches in width and 48 inches
in length, measured 2 inches above the ground, and do not weigh more than 600
pounds when occupied.
Commuter rail car means a rail passenger car obtained by a commuter
authority (as defined by 49 CFR 37.3) for use in commuter rail transportation.
Commuter rail transportation means short-haul rail passenger service
operating in metropolitan and suburban areas, operated by a commuter authority
whether within or across the geographical boundaries of a state, usually
characterized by reduced fare, multiple ride, and commutation tickets and by
morning and evening peak period operations. This term does not include light or
rapid rail transportation.
Demand responsive system means any system of transporting individuals,
including the provision of designated public transportation service by public
entities and the provision of transportation service by private entities,
including but not limited to specified public transportation service, which is
not a fixed route system.
Designated public transportation means transportation provided by a
public entity (other than public school transportation) by bus, rail, or other
conveyance (other than transportation by aircraft or intercity or commuter rail
transportation) that provides the general public with general or special
service, including charter service, on a regular and continuing basis.
Fixed route system means a system of transporting individuals (other
than by aircraft), including the provision of designated public transportation
service by public entities and the provision of transportation service by
private entities, including but not limited to specified public transportation
service, on which a vehicle is operated along a prescribed route according to a
fixed schedule.
High speed rail means an intercity-type rail service which operates
primarily on a dedicated guideway or track not used,for the most part, by
freight, including, but not limited to, trains on welded rail, magnetically
levitated (maglev) vehicles on a special guideway, or other advanced technology
vehicles, designed to travel at speeds in excess of those possible on other
types of railroads.
Intercity rail passenger car means a rail car intended for use by
revenue passengers obtained by the National Railroad Passenger Corporation
(Amtrak) for use in intercity rail transportation.
Intercity rail transportation means transportation provided by Amtrak.
Light rail means a streetcar-type vehicle railway operated on city
streets, semi-private rights-of-way, or exclusive private rights-of-way. Service
may be provided by step-entry vehicles or by level-boarding.
New vehicle means a vehicle which is offered for sale or lease after
manufacture without any prior use.
Over-the-road bus means a vehicle characterized by an elevated
passenger deck located over a baggage compartment.
Rapid rail means a subway-type transit vehicle railway operated on
exclusive private rights-of-way with high-level platform stations. Rapid rail
may also operate on elevated or at-grade level track separated from other
traffic.
Remanufactured vehicle means a vehicle which has been structurally
restored and has had new or rebuilt major components installed to extend its
service life.
Specified public transportation means transportation by bus, rail, or
any other conveyance (other than aircraft) provided by a private entity to the
general public, with general or special service (including charter service) on a
regular and continuing basis.
Tram means any of several types of motor vehicles consisting of a
tractor unit, with or without passenger accommodations, and one or more
passenger trailer units, including but not limited to vehicles providing shuttle
service to remote parking areas, between hotels and other public accommodations,
and between and within amusement parks and other recreation areas.
Used vehicle means a vehicle with prior use.
§1192.4 Miscellaneous instructions.
(a) Dimensional conventions. Dimensions that are not noted as minimum
or maximum are absolute.
(b) Dimensional tolerances. All dimensions are subject to conventional
engineering tolerances for material properties and field conditions, including
normal anticipated wear not exceeding accepted industry-wide standards and
practices.
(c) Notes. The text of these guidelines does not contain notes or
footnotes. Additional information, explanations, and advisory materials are
located in the Appendix.
(d) General terminology. The terms used in this part shall have the
following meanings:
(1) Comply with means meet one or more specification of these
guidelines.
(2) If, or if...then denotes a specification that applies
only when the conditions described are present.
(3) May denotes an option or alternative.
(4) Shall denotes a mandatory specification or requirement.
(5) Should denotes an advisory specification or recommendation and
is used only in the appendix to this part.
Subpart B-Buses, Vans and Systems
§1192.21General.
(a) New, used or remanufactured buses and vans (except over-the-road buses
covered by subpart G of this part), to be considered accessible by regulations
issued by the Department of Transportation in 49 CFR part
37, shall comply with the applicable provisions of this subpart.
(b) If portions of the vehicle are modified in a way that affects or could
affect accessibility, each such portion shall comply, to the extent practicable,
with the applicable provisions of this subpart. This provision does not require
that inaccessible buses be retrofitted with lifts, ramps or other boarding
devices.
§1192.23 Mobility aid accessibility.
(a) General. All vehicles covered by this subpart
shall provide a level-change mechanism or boarding device (e.g., lift or ramp)
complying with paragraph (b) or (c); of this section and sufficient clearances
to permit a wheelchair or other mobility aid user to reach a securement
location. At least two securement locations and devices, complying with
paragraph (d) of this section, shall be provided on vehicles in excess of 22
feet in length; at least one securement location and device, complying with
paragraph (d) of this section, shall be provided on vehicles 22 feet in length
or less.
(b) Vehicle lift. - (1) Design load. The
design load of the lift shall be at least 600 pounds. Working parts, such as
cables, pulleys, and shafts, which can be expected to wear, and upon which the
lift depends for support of the load, shall have a safety factor of at least
six, based on the ultimate strength of the material. Nonworking parts, such as
platform, frame, and attachment hardware which would not be expected to wear,
shall have a safety factor of at least three, based on the ultimate strength of
the material.
(2) Controls. - (i) Requirements. The controls shall be
interlocked with the vehicle brakes, transmission, or door, or shall provide
other appropriate mechanisms or systems, to ensure that the vehicle cannot be
moved when the lift is not stowed and so the lift cannot be deployed unless the
interlocks or systems are engaged. The lift shall deploy to all levels (i.e.,
ground, curb, and intermediate positions) normally encountered in the operating
environment. Where provided, each control for deploying, lowering, raising, and
stowing the lift and lowering the roll-off barrier shall be of a momentary
contact type requiring continuous manual pressure by the operator and shall not
allow improper lift sequencing when the lift platform is occupied. The controls
shall allow reversal of the lift operation sequence, such as raising or lowering
a platform that is part way down, without allowing an occupied platform to fold
or retract into the stowed position.
(ii) Exception. Where the lift is designed to deploy with its long
dimension parallel to the vehicle axis and which pivots into or out of the
vehicle while occupied (i.e., "rotary lift"), the requirements of this paragraph
prohibiting the lift from being stowed while occupied shall not apply if the
stowed position is within the passenger compartment and the lift is intended to
be stowed while occupied.
(3) Emergency operation. The lift shall incorporate an emergency
method of deploying, lowering to ground level with a lift occupant, and raising
and stowing the empty lift if the power to the lift fails. No emergency method,
manual or otherwise, shall be capable of being operated in a manner that could
be hazardous to the lift occupant or to the operator when operated according to
manufacturer's instructions, and shall not permit the platform to be stowed or
folded when occupied, unless the lift is a rotary lift and is intended to be
stowed while occupied.
(4) Power or equipment failure. Platforms stowed in a vertical
position, and deployed platforms when occupied, shall have provisions to prevent
their deploying, falling, or folding any faster than 12 inches/second or their
dropping of an occupant in the event of a single failure of any load carrying
component.
(5) Platform barriers. The lift platform shall be equipped with
barriers to prevent any of the wheels of a wheelchair or mobility aid from
rolling off the platform during its operation. A movable barrier or inherent
design feature shall prevent a wheelchair or mobility aid from rolling off the
edge closest to the vehicle until the platform is in its fully raised position.
Each side of the lift platform which extends beyond the vehicle in its raised
position shall have a barrier a minimum 1-1/2 inches high. Such barriers shall
not interfere with maneuvering into or out of the aisle. The loading-edge
barrier (outer barrier) which functions as a loading ramp when the lift is at
ground level, shall be sufficient when raised or closed, or a supplementary
system shall be provided, to prevent a power wheelchair or mobility aid from
riding over or defeating it. The outer barrier of the lift shall automatically
raise or close, or a supplementary system shall automatically engage, and remain
raised, closed, or engaged at all times that the platform is more than 3 inches
above the roadway or sidewalk and the platform is occupied. Alternatively, a
barrier or system may be raised, lowered, opened, closed, engaged, or disengaged
by the lift operator, provided an interlock or inherent design feature prevents
the lift from rising unless the barrier is raised or closed or the supplementary
system is engaged.
(6) Platform surface. The platform surface shall be free of any
protrusions over ¼ inch high and shall be slip resistant. The platform shall
have a minimum clear width of 28-1/2 inches at the platform, a minimum clear
width of 30 inches measured from 2 inches above the platform surface to 30
inches above the platform, and a minimum clear length of 48 inches measured from
2 inches above the surface of the platform to 30 inches above the surface of the
platform. (See Fig.
1)
(7) Platform gaps. Any openings between the platform surface and the
raised barriers shall not exceed 5/8 inch in width. When the platform is at
vehicle floor height with the inner barrier (if applicable) down or retracted,
gaps between the forward lift platform edge and the vehicle floor shall not
exceed ½ inch horizontally and 5/8 inch vertically. Platforms on semi-automatic
lifts may have a hand hold not exceeding 1-1/2 inches by 4-1/2 inches located
between the edge barriers.
(8) Platform entrance ramp. The entrance ramp, or loading-edge barrier
used as a ramp, shall not exceed a slope of 1:8, measured on level ground, for a
maximum rise of 3 inches, and the transition from roadway or sidewalk to ramp
may be vertical without edge treatment up to ¼ inch. Thresholds between ¼ inch
and ½ inch high shall be beveled with a slope no greater than 1:2.
(9) Platform deflection. The lift platform (not including the entrance
ramp) shall not deflect more than 3 degrees (exclusive of vehicle roll or pitch)
in any direction between its unloaded position and its position when loaded with
600 pounds applied through a 26 inch by 26 inch test pallet at the centroid of
the platform.
(10) Platform movement. No part of the platform shall move at a rate
exceeding 6 inches/second during lowering and lifting an occupant, and shall not
exceed 12 inches/second during deploying or stowing. This requirement does not
apply to the deployment or stowage cycles of lifts that are manually deployed or
stowed. The maximum platform horizontal and vertical acceleration when occupied
shall be 0.3g.
(11) Boarding direction. The lift shall permit both inboard and
outboard facing of wheelchair and mobility aid users.
(12) Use by standees. Lifts shall accommodate persons using walkers,
crutches, canes or braces or who otherwise have difficulty using steps. The
platform may be marked to indicate a preferred standing position.
(13) Handrails. Platforms on lifts shall be equipped with handrails on
two sides, which move in tandem with the lift, and which shall be graspable and
provide support to standees throughout the entire lift operation. Handrails
shall have a usable component at least 8 inches long with the lowest portion a
minimum 30 inches above the platform and the highest portion a maximum 38 inches
above the platform. The handrails shall be capable of withstanding a force of
100 pounds concentrated at any point on the handrail without permanent
deformation of the rail or its supporting structure. The handrail shall have a
cross-sectional diameter between 11/4 inches and 11/2 inches or shall provide an
equivalent grasping surface, and have eased edges with corner radii of not less
than 1/8 inch. Handrails shall be placed to provide a minimum 1-1/2 inches
knuckle clearance from the nearest adjacent surface. Handrails shall not
interfere with wheelchair or mobility aid maneuverability when entering or
leaving the vehicle.
(c) Vehicle ramp. - (1) Design load. Ramps
30 inches or longer shall support a load of 600 pounds, placed at the centroid
of the ramp distributed over an area of 26 inches by 26 inches, with a safety
factor of at least 3 based on the ultimate strength of the material. Ramps
shorter than 30 inches shall support a load of 300 pounds.
(2) Ramp surface. The ramp surface shall be continuous and slip
resistant; shall not have protrusions from the surface greater than ¼ inch high;
shall have a clear width of 30 inches; and shall accommodate both four-wheel and
three-wheel mobility aids.
(3) Ramp threshold. The transition from roadway or sidewalk and the
transition from vehicle floor to the ramp may be vertical without edge treatment
up to ¼ inch. Changes in level between ¼ inch and ½ inch shall be beveled with a
slope no greater than 1:2.
(4) Ramp barriers. Each side of the ramp shall have barriers at least
2 inches high to prevent mobility aid wheels from slipping off.
(5) Slope. Ramps shall have the least slope practicable and shall not
exceed 1:4 when deployed to ground level. If the height of the vehicle floor
from which the ramp is deployed is 3 inches or less above a 6-inch curb, a
maximum slope of 1:4 is permitted; if the height of the vehicle floor from which
the ramp is deployed is 6 inches or less, but greater than 3 inches, above a
6-inch curb, a maximum slope of 1:6 is permitted; if the height of the vehicle
floor from which the ramp is deployed is 9 inches or less, but greater than 6
inches, above a 6-inch curb, a maximum slope of 1:8 is permitted; if the height
of the vehicle floor from which the ramp is deployed is greater than 9 inches
above a 6-inch curb, a slope of 1:12 shall be achieved. Folding or telescoping
ramps are permitted provided they meet all structural requirements of this
section.
(6) Attachment. When in use for boarding or alighting, the ramp shall
be firmly attached to the vehicle so that it is not subject to displacement when
loading or unloading a heavy power mobility aid and that no gap between vehicle
and ramp exceeds 5/8 inch.
(7) Stowage. A compartment, securement system, or other appropriate
method shall be provided to ensure that stowed ramps, including portable ramps
stowed in the passenger area, do not impinge on a passenger's wheelchair or
mobility aid or pose any hazard to passengers in the event of a sudden stop or
maneuver.
(8) Handrails. If provided, handrails shall allow persons with
disabilities to grasp them from outside the vehicle while starting to board, and
to continue to use them throughout the boarding process, and shall have the top
between 30 inches and 38 inches above the ramp surface. The handrails shall be
capable of withstanding a force of 100 pounds concentrated at any point on the
handrail without permanent deformation of the rail or its supporting structure.
The handrail shall have a cross-sectional diameter between 11/4 inches and 11/2
inches or shall provide an equivalent grasping surface, and have eased edges
with corner radii of not less than 1/8 inch. Handrails shall not interfere with
wheelchair or mobility aid maneuverability when entering or leaving the vehicle.
(d) Securement devices. - (1) Design load.
Securement systems on vehicles with GVWRs of 30,000 pounds or above, and their
attachments to such vehicles, shall restrain a force in the forward longitudinal
direction of up to 2,000 pounds per securement leg or clamping mechanism and a
minimum of 4,000 pounds for each mobility aid. Securement systems on vehicles
with GVWRs of up to 30,000 pounds, and their attachments to such vehicles, shall
restrain a force in the forward longitudinal direction of up to 2,500 pounds per
securement leg or clamping mechanism and a minimum of 5,000 pounds for each
mobility aid.
(2) Location and size. The securement system shall be placed as near
to the accessible entrance as practicable and shall have a clear floor area of
30 inches by 48 inches. Such space shall adjoin, and may overlap, an access
path. Not more than 6 inches of the required clear floor space may be
accommodated for footrests under another seat provided there is a minimum of 9
inches from the floor to the lowest part of the seat overhanging the space.
Securement areas may have fold-down seats to accommodate other passengers when a
wheelchair or mobility aid is not occupying the area, provided the seats, when
folded up, do not obstruct the clear floor space required. (See Fig. 2)
(3) Mobility aids accommodated. The securement system shall secure
common wheelchairs and mobility aids and shall either be automatic or easily
attached by a person familiar with the system and mobility aid and having
average dexterity.
(4) Orientation. In vehicles in excess of 22 feet in length, at least
one securement device or system required by paragraph (a) of this section shall
secure the wheelchair or mobility aid facing toward the front of the vehicle. In
vehicles 22 feet in length or less, the required securement device may secure
the wheelchair or mobility aid either facing toward the front of the vehicle or
rearward. Additional securement devices or systems shall secure the wheelchair
or mobility aid facing forward or rearward. Where the wheelchair or mobility aid
is secured facing the rear of the vehicle, a padded barrier shall be provided
The padded barrier shall extend from a height of 38 inches from the vehicle
floor to a height of 56 inches from the vehicle floor with a width of 18 inches,
laterally centered immediately in back of the seated individual. Such barriers
need not be solid provided equivalent protection is afforded.
(5) Movement. When the wheelchair or mobility aid is secured in
accordance with manufacturer's instructions, the securement system shall limit
the movement of an occupied wheelchair or mobility aid to no more than 2 inches
in any direction under normal vehicle operating conditions.
(6) Stowage. When not being used for securement, or when the
securement area can be used by standees, the securement system shall not
interfere with passenger movement, shall not present any hazardous condition,
shall be reasonably protected from vandalism, and shall be readily accessed when
needed for use.
(7) Seat belt and shoulder harness. For each wheelchair or mobility
aid securement device provided, a passenger seat belt and shoulder harness,
complying with all applicable provisions of 49 CFR part 571, shall also be
provided for use by wheelchair or mobility aid users. Such seat belts and
shoulder harnesses shall not be used in lieu of a device which secures the
wheelchair or mobility aid itself.
§1192.25 Doors, steps and thresholds.
(a) Slip resistance. All aisles, steps, floor areas where people walk
and floors in securement locations shall have slip-resistant surfaces.
(b) Contrast. All step edges, thresholds, and the boarding edge of
ramps or lift platforms shall have a band of color(s) running the full width of
the step or edge which contrasts from the step tread and riser, or lift or ramp
surface, either light-on-dark or dark-on-light.
(c) Door height. For vehicles in excess of 22 feet in length, the
overhead clearance between the top of the door opening and the raised lift
platform, or highest point of a ramp, shall be a minimum of 68 inches. For
vehicles of 22 feet in length or less, the overhead clearance between the top of
the door opening and the raised lift platform, or highest point of a ramp, shall
be a minimum of 56 inches.
§1192.27 Priority seating signs.
(a) Each vehicle shall contain sign(s) which indicate that seats in the front
of the vehicle are priority seats for persons with disabilities, and that other
passengers should make such seats available to those who wish to use them. At
least one set of forward-facing seats shall be so designated.
(b) Each securement location shall have a sign designating it as such.
(c) Characters on signs required by paragraphs (a) and (b) of this section
shall have a width-to-height ratio between 3:5 and 1:1 and a stroke
width-to-height ratio between 1:5 and 1:10, with a minimum character height
(using an upper case "X") of 5/8 inch, with "wide" spacing (generally, the space
between letters shall be 1/16 the height of upper case letters), and shall
contrast with the background either light-on-dark or dark-on-light.
§1192.29 Interior circulation, handrails and stanchions.
(a) Interior handrails and stanchions shall permit sufficient turning and
maneuvering space for wheelchairs and other mobility aids to reach a securement
location from the lift or ramp.
(b) Handrails and stanchions shall be provided in the entrance to the vehicle
in a configuration which allows persons with disabilities to grasp such assists
from outside the vehicle while starting to board, and to continue using such
assists throughout the boarding and fare collection process. Handrails shall
have a cross-sectional diameter between 11/4 inches and 11/2 inches or shall
provide an equivalent grasping surface, and have eased edges with corner radii
of not less than 1/8 inch. Handrails shall be placed to provide a minimum 1-1/2
inches knuckle clearance from the nearest adjacent surface. Where on-board fare
collection devices are used on vehicles in excess of 22 feet in length, a
horizontal passenger assist shall be located across the front of the vehicle and
shall prevent passengers from sustaining injuries on the fare collection device
or windshield in the event of a sudden deceleration. Without restricting the
vestibule space, the assist shall provide support for a boarding passenger from
the front door through the boarding procedure. Passengers shall be able to lean
against the assist for security while paying fares.
(c) For vehicles in excess of 22 feet in length, overhead handrail(s) shall
be provided which shall be continuous except for a gap at the rear doorway.
(d) Handrails and stanchions shall be sufficient to permit safe boarding,
on-board circulation, seating and standing assistance, and alighting by persons
with disabilities.
(e) For vehicles in excess of 22 feet in length with front-door lifts or
ramps, vertical stanchions immediately behind the driver shall either terminate
at the lower edge of the aisle-facing seats, if applicable, or be "dog-legged"
so that the floor attachment does not impede or interfere with wheelchair
footrests. If the driver seat platform must be passed by a wheelchair or
mobility aid user entering the vehicle, the platform, to the maximum extent
practicable, shall not extend into the aisle or vestibule beyond the wheel
housing.
(f) For vehicles in excess of 22 feet in length, the minimum interior height
along the path from the lift to the securement location shall be 68 inches. For
vehicles of 22 feet in length or less, the minimum interior height from lift to
securement location shall be 56 inches.
§1192.31 Lighting.
(a) Any stepwell or doorway immediately adjacent to the driver shall have,
when the door is open, at least 2 foot-candles of illumination measured on the
step tread or lift platform.
(b) Other stepwells and doorways, including doorways in which lifts or ramps
are installed, shall have, at all times, at least 2 foot-candles of illumination
measured on the step tread, or lift or ramp, when deployed at the vehicle floor
level.
(c) The vehicle doorways, including doorways in which lifts or ramps are
installed, shall have outside light(s) which, when the door is open, provide at
least 1 foot-candle of illumination on the street surface for a distance of 3
feet perpendicular to the bottom step tread or lift outer edge. Such light(s)
shall be shielded to protect the eyes of entering and exiting passengers.
§1192.33 Fare box.
Where provided, the farebox shall be located as far forward as practicable
and shall not obstruct traffic in the vestibule, especially wheelchairs or
mobility aids.
§1192.35 Public information system.
(a) Vehicles in excess of 22 feet in length, used in multiple-stop,
fixed-route service, shall be equipped with a public address system permitting
the driver, or recorded or digitized human speech messages, to announce stops
and provide other passenger information within the vehicle.
(b) [Reserved]
§1192.37 Stop request.
(a) Where passengers may board or alight at multiple stops at their option,
vehicles in excess of 22 feet in length shall provide controls adjacent to the
securement location for requesting stops and which alerts the driver that a
mobility aid user wishes to disembark. Such a system shall provide auditory and
visual indications that the request has been made.
(b) Controls required by paragraph (a) of this section shall be mounted no
higher than 48 inches and no lower than 15 inches above the floor, shall be
operable with one hand and shall not require tight grasping, pinching, or
twisting of the wrist. The force required to activate controls shall be no
greater than 5 lbf (22.2 N).
§1192.39 Destination and route signs.
(a) Where destination or route information is displayed on the exterior of a
vehicle, each vehicle shall have illuminated signs on the front and boarding
side of the vehicle.
(b) Characters on signs required by paragraph (a) of this section shall have
a width-to-height ratio between 3:5 and 1:1 and a stroke width-to-height ratio
between 1:5 and 1:10, with a minimum character height (using an upper case "X")
of 1 inch for signs on the boarding side and a minimum character height of 2
inches for front "headsigns", with "wide" spacing (generally, the space between
letters shall be 1/16 the height of upper case letters), and shall contrast with
the background, either dark-on-light or light-on-dark.
Subpart C-Rapid Rail Vehicles and Systems
§1192.51 General.
(a) New, used and remanufactured rapid rail vehicles, to be considered
accessible by regulations issued by the Department of Transportation in 49 CFR part
37, shall comply with this subpart.
(b) If portions of the vehicle are modified in a way that affects or could
affect accessibility, each such portion shall comply, to the extent practicable,
with the applicable provisions of this subpart. This provision does not require
that inaccessible vehicles be retrofitted with lifts, ramps or other boarding
devices.
(c) Existing vehicles which are retrofitted to comply with the
"one-car-per-train rule" of 49 CFR 37.93 shall comply with §§1192.55, 1192.57(b),
1192.59
and shall have, in new and key stations, at least one door complying with §1192.53(a)(1),
(b)
and (d).
Removal of seats is not required. Vehicles previously designed and manufactured
in accordance with the accessibility requirements of 49 CFR part 609 or
Department of Transportation regulations implementing section 504 of the
Rehabilitation Act of 1973 that were in effect before October 7, 1991 and which
can be entered and used from stations in which they are to be operated, may be
used to satisfy the requirements of 49 CFR 37.93.
§1192.53 Doorways.
(a) Clear width. - (1) Passenger doorways on
vehicle sides shall have clear openings at least 32 inches wide when open.
(2) If doorways connecting adjoining cars in a multi-car train are provided,
and if such doorway is connected by an aisle with a minimum clear width of 30
inches to one or more spaces where wheelchair or mobility aid users can be
accommodated, then such doorway shall have a minimum clear opening of 30 inches
to permit wheelchair and mobility aid users to be evacuated to an adjoining
vehicle in an emergency.
(b) Signage. The International Symbol of
Accessibility shall be displayed on the exterior of accessible vehicles
operating on an accessible rapid rail system unless all vehicles are accessible
and are not marked by the access symbol. (See Fig.
6)
(c) Signals. Auditory and visual warning signals
shall be provided to alert passengers of closing doors.
(d) Coordination with boarding platform. - (1)
Requirements. Where new vehicles will operate in new stations, the design
of vehicles shall be coordinated with the boarding platform design such that the
horizontal gap between each vehicle door at rest and the platform shall be no
greater than 3 inches and the height of the vehicle floor shall be within plus
or minus 5/8 inch of the platform height under all normal passenger load
conditions. Vertical alignment may be accomplished by vehicle air suspension or
other suitable means of meeting the requirement.
(2) Exception. New vehicles operating in existing stations may have a
floor height within plus or minus 1-1/2 inches of the platform height. At key
stations, the horizontal gap between at least one door of each such vehicle and
the platform shall be no greater than 3 inches.
(3) Exception. Retrofitted vehicles shall be coordinated with the
platform in new and key stations such that the horizontal gap shall be no
greater than 4 inches and the height of the vehicle floor, under 50% passenger
load, shall be within plus or minus 2 inches of the platform height.
§1192.55 Priority seating signs.
(a) Each vehicle shall contain sign(s) which indicate that certain seats are
priority seats for persons with disabilities, and that other passengers should
make such seats available to those who wish to use them.
(b) Characters on signs required by paragraph (a) of this section shall have
a width-to-height ratio between 3:5 and 1:1 and a stroke width-to-height ratio
between 1:5 and 1:10, with a minimum character height (using an upper case "X")
of 5/8 inch, with "wide" spacing (generally, the space between letters shall be
1/16 the height of upper case letters), and shall contrast with the background,
either light-on-dark or dark-on-light.
§1192.57 Interior circulation, handrails and stanchions.
(a) Handrails and stanchions shall be provided to assist
safe boarding, on-board circulation, seating and standing assistance, and
alighting by persons with disabilities.
(b) Handrails, stanchions, and seats shall allow a route
at least 32 inches wide so that at least two wheelchair or mobility aid users
can enter the vehicle and position the wheelchairs or mobility aids in areas,
each having a minimum clear space of 48 inches by 30 inches, which do not unduly
restrict movement of other passengers. Space to accommodate wheelchairs and
mobility aids may be provided within the normal area used by standees and
designation of specific spaces is not required. Particular attention shall be
given to ensuring maximum maneuverability immediately inside doors. Ample
vertical stanchions from ceiling to seat-back rails shall be provided. Vertical
stanchions from ceiling to floor shall not interfere with wheelchair or mobility
aid user circulation and shall be kept to a minimum in the vicinity of doors.
(c) The diameter or width of the gripping surface of
handrails and stanchions shall be 11/4 inches to 11/2 inches or provide an
equivalent gripping surface and shall provide a minimum 1-1/2 inches knuckle
clearance from the nearest adjacent surface.
§1192.59 Floor surfaces.
Floor surfaces on aisles, places for standees, and areas where wheelchair and
mobility aid users are to be accommodated shall be slip-resistant.
§1192.61 Public information system.
(a)(1) Requirements. Each vehicle shall be equipped with a public
address system permitting transportation system personnel, or recorded or
digitized human speech messages, to announce stations and provide other
passenger information. Alternative systems or devices which provide equivalent
access are also permitted. Each vehicle operating in stations having more than
one line or route shall have an external public address system to permit
transportation system personnel, or recorded or digitized human speech messages,
to announce train, route, or line identification information.
(2) Exception. Where station announcement systems provide information
on arriving trains, an external train speaker is not required.
(b) [Reserved]
§1192.63 Between-car barriers.
(a) Requirement. Suitable devices or systems shall be provided to
prevent, deter or warn individuals from inadvertently stepping off the platform
between cars. Acceptable solutions include, but are not limited to, pantograph
gates, chains, motion detectors or similar devices.
(b) Exception. Between-car barriers are not required where platform
screens are provided which close off the platform edge and open only when trains
are correctly aligned with the doors.
Subpart D-Light Rail Vehicles and Systems
§1192.71 General.
(a) New, used and remanufactured light rail vehicles, to be considered
accessible by regulations issued by the Department of Transportation in 49 CFR part
37, shall comply with this subpart.
(b)(1) Vehicles intended to be operated solely in light rail systems confined
entirely to a dedicated right-of-way, and for which all stations or stops are
designed and constructed for revenue service after the effective date of
standards for design and construction issued pursuant to subpart C of 49 CFR
part 37, shall provide level boarding and shall comply with §§1192.73(d)(1)
and 1192.85.
(2) Vehicles designed for, and operated on, pedestrian malls, city streets,
or other areas where level boarding is not practicable shall provide wayside or
car-borne lifts, mini-high platforms, or other means of access in compliance
with §1192.83(b)
or (c);.
(c) If portions of the vehicle are modified in a way that affects or could
affect accessibility, each such portion shall comply, to the extent practicable,
with the applicable provisions of this subpart. This provision does not require
that inaccessible vehicles be retrofitted with lifts, ramps or other boarding
devices.
(d) Existing vehicles retrofitted to comply with the "one-car-per-train rule"
at 49 CFR 37.93 shall comply with §§1192.75,
1192.77(c), 1192.79(a) and 1192.83(a) and shall have, in new and key stations,
at least one door which complies with §1192.73(a)(1), (b) and (d). Vehicles
previously designed and manufactured in accordance with the accessibility
requirements of 49 CFR part 609 or Department of Transportation regulations
implementing section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 that were in effect
before October 7, 1991 and which can be entered and used from stations in which
they are to be operated, may be used to satisfy the requirements of 49 CFR
37.93.
§1192.73 Doorways.
(a) Clear width. (1) All passenger doorways on vehicle sides shall
have minimum clear openings of 32 inches when open.
(2) If doorways connecting adjoining cars in a multi-car train are provided,
and if such doorway is connected by an aisle with a minimum clear width of 30
inches to one or more spaces where wheelchair or mobility aid users can be
accommodated, then such doorway shall have a minimum clear opening of 30 inches
to permit wheelchair and mobility aid users to be evacuated to an adjoining
vehicle in an emergency.
(b) Signage. The International Symbol of Accessibility shall be
displayed on the exterior of each vehicle operating on an accessible light rail
system unless all vehicles are accessible and are not marked by the access
symbol. (See Fig.
6)
(c) Signals. Auditory and visual warning signals shall be provided to
alert passengers of closing doors.
(d) Coordination with boarding platform. - (1) Requirements.
The design of level-entry vehicles shall be coordinated with the boarding
platform or mini-high platform design so that the horizontal gap between a
vehicle at rest and the platform shall be no greater than 3 inches and the
height of the vehicle floor shall be within plus or minus 5/8 inch of the
platform height. Vertical alignment may be accomplished by vehicle air
suspension, automatic ramps or lifts, or any combination.
(2) Exception. New vehicles operating in existing stations may have a
floor height within plus or minus 1-1/2 inches of the platform height. At key
stations, the horizontal gap between at least one door of each such vehicle and
the platform shall be no greater than 3 inches.
(3) Exception. Retrofitted vehicles shall be coordinated with the
platform in new and key stations such that the horizontal gap shall be no
greater than 4 inches and the height of the vehicle floor, under 50% passenger
load, shall be within plus or minus 2 inches of the platform height.
(4) Exception. Where it is not operationally or structurally
practicable to meet the horizontal or vertical requirements of paragraphs
(d)(1), (2) or (3) of this section, platform or vehicle devices complying with
§1192.83(b) or platform or vehicle mounted ramps or bridge plates complying with
§1192.83(c) shall be provided.
§1192.75 Priority seating signs.
(a) Each vehicle shall contain sign(s) which indicate that certain seats are
priority seats for persons with disabilities, and that other passengers should
make such seats available to those who wish to use them.
(b) Where designated wheelchair or mobility aid seating locations are
provided, signs shall indicate the location and advise other passengers of the
need to permit wheelchair and mobility aid users to occupy them.
(c) Characters on signs required by paragraphs (a) or (b) of this section
shall have a width-to-height ratio between 3:5 and 1:1 and a stroke
width-to-height ratio between 1:5 and 1:10, with a minimum character height
(using an upper case "X") of 5/8 inch, with "wide" spacing (generally, the space
between letters shall be 1/16 the height of upper case letters), and shall
contrast with the background, either light-on-dark or dark-on-light.
§1192.77 Interior circulation, handrails and
stanchions.
(a) Handrails and stanchions shall be sufficient to permit safe boarding,
on-board circulation, seating and standing assistance, and alighting by persons
with disabilities.
(b) At entrances equipped with steps, handrails and stanchions shall be
provided in the entrance to the vehicle in a configuration which allows
passengers to grasp such assists from outside the vehicle while starting to
board, and to continue using such handrails or stanchions throughout the
boarding process. Handrails shall have a cross-sectional diameter between 11/4
inches and 11/2 inches or shall provide an equivalent grasping surface, and have
eased edges with corner radii of not less than 1/8 inch. Handrails shall be
placed to provide a minimum 1-1/2 inches knuckle clearance from the nearest
adjacent surface. Where on-board fare collection devices are used, a horizontal
passenger assist shall be located between boarding passengers and the fare
collection device and shall prevent passengers from sustaining injuries on the
fare collection device or windshield in the event of a sudden deceleration.
Without restricting the vestibule space, the assist shall provide support for a
boarding passenger from the door through the boarding procedure. Passengers
shall be able to lean against the assist for security while paying fares.
(c) At all doors on level-entry vehicles, and at each entrance accessible by
lift, ramp, bridge plate or other suitable means, handrails, stanchions,
passenger seats, vehicle driver seat platforms, and fare boxes, if applicable,
shall be located so as to allow a route at least 32 inches wide so that at least
two wheelchair or mobility aid users can enter the vehicle and position the
wheelchairs or mobility aids in areas, each having a minimum clear space of 48
inches by 30 inches, which do not unduly restrict movement of other passengers.
Space to accommodate wheelchairs and mobility aids may be provided within the
normal area used by standees and designation of specific spaces is not required.
Particular attention shall be given to ensuring maximum maneuverability
immediately inside doors. Ample vertical stanchions from ceiling to seat-back
rails shall be provided. Vertical stanchions from ceiling to floor shall not
interfere with wheelchair or mobility aid circulation and shall be kept to a
minimum in the vicinity of accessible doors.
§1192.79 Floors, steps and thresholds.
(a) Floor surfaces on aisles, step treads, places for standees, and areas
where wheelchair and mobility aid users are to be accommodated shall be
slip-resistant.
(b) All thresholds and step edges shall have a band of color(s) running the
full width of the step or threshold which contrasts from the step tread and
riser or adjacent floor, either light-on-dark or dark-on-light.
§1192.81 Lighting.
(a) Any stepwell or doorway with a lift, ramp or bridge plate immediately
adjacent to the driver shall have, when the door is open, at least 2 footcandles
of illumination measured on the step tread or lift platform.
(b) Other stepwells, and doorways with lifts, ramps or bridge plates, shall
have, at all times, at least 2 footcandles of illumination measured on the step
tread or lift or ramp, when deployed at the vehicle floor level.
(c) The doorways of vehicles not operating at lighted station platforms shall
have outside lights which provide at least 1 footcandle of illumination on the
station platform or street surface for a distance of 3 feet perpendicular to all
points on the bottom step tread. Such lights shall be located below window level
and shielded to protect the eyes of entering and exiting passengers.
§1192.83 Mobility aid accessibility.
(a)(1) General. All new light rail vehicles, other than level entry
vehicles, covered by this subpart shall provide a level-change mechanism or
boarding device (e.g., lift, ramp or bridge plate) complying with either
paragraph (b) or (c); of this section and sufficient clearances to permit at
least two wheelchair or mobility aid users to reach areas, each with a minimum
clear floor space of 48 inches by 30 inches, which do not unduly restrict
passenger flow. Space to accommodate wheelchairs and mobility aids may be
provided within the normal area used by standees and designation of specific
spaces is not required.
(2) Exception. If lifts, ramps or bridge plates meeting the
requirements of this section are provided on station platforms or other stops,
or mini-high platforms complying with §1192.73(d) are provided, at stations or
stops required to be accessible by 49 CFR part 37, the vehicle is not required
to be equipped with a car-borne device. Where each new vehicle is compatible
with a single platform-mounted access system or device, additional systems or
devices are not required for each vehicle provided that the single device could
be used to provide access to each new vehicle if passengers using wheelchairs or
mobility aids could not be accommodated on a single vehicle.
(b) Vehicle lift. - (1) Design load. The design load of the
lift shall be at least 600 pounds. Working parts, such as cables, pulleys, and
shafts, which can be expected to wear, and upon which the lift depends for
support of the load, shall have a safety factor of at least six, based on the
ultimate strength of the material. Nonworking parts, such as platform, frame,
and attachment hardware which would not be expected to wear, shall have a safety
factor of at least three, based on the ultimate strength of the material.
(2) Controls. - (i) Requirements. The controls shall be
interlocked with the vehicle brakes, propulsion system, or door, or shall
provide other appropriate mechanisms or systems, to ensure that the vehicle
cannot be moved when the lift is not stowed and so the lift cannot be deployed
unless the interlocks or systems are engaged. The lift shall deploy to all
levels (i.e., ground, curb, and intermediate positions) normally encountered in
the operating environment. Where provided, each control for deploying, lowering,
raising, and stowing the lift and lowering the roll-off barrier shall be of a
momentary contact type requiring continuous manual pressure by the operator and
shall not allow improper lift sequencing when the lift platform is occupied. The
controls shall allow reversal of the lift operation sequence, such as raising or
lowering a platform that is part way down, without allowing an occupied platform
to fold or retract into the stowed position.
(ii) Exception. Where physical or safety constraints prevent the
deployment at some stops of a lift having its long dimension perpendicular to
the vehicle axis, the transportation entity may specify a lift which is designed
to deploy with its long dimension parallel to the vehicle axis and which pivots
into or out of the vehicle while occupied (i.e., "rotary lift"). The
requirements of paragraph (b)(2)(i) of this section prohibiting the lift from
being stowed while occupied shall not apply to a lift design of this type if the
stowed position is within the passenger compartment and the lift is intended to
be stowed while occupied.
(iii) Exception. The brake or propulsion system interlocks requirement
does not apply to a station platform mounted lift provided that a mechanical,
electrical or other system operates to ensure that vehicles do not move when the
lift is in use.
(3) Emergency operation. The lift shall incorporate an emergency
method of deploying, lowering to ground level with a lift occupant, and raising
and stowing the empty lift if the power to the lift fails. No emergency method,
manual or otherwise, shall be capable of being operated in a manner that could
be hazardous to the lift occupant or to the operator when operated according to
manufacturer's instructions, and shall not permit the platform to be stowed or
folded when occupied, unless the lift is a rotary lift intended to be stowed
while occupied.
(4) Power or equipment failure. Lift platforms stowed in a vertical
position, and deployed platforms when occupied, shall have provisions to prevent
their deploying, falling, or folding any faster than 12 inches/second or their
dropping of an occupant in the event of a single failure of any load carrying
component.
(5) Platform barriers. The lift platform shall be equipped with
barriers to prevent any of the wheels of a wheelchair or mobility aid from
rolling off the lift during its operation. A movable barrier or inherent design
feature shall prevent a wheelchair or mobility aid from rolling off the edge
closest to the vehicle until the lift is in its fully raised position. Each side
of the lift platform which extends beyond the vehicle in its raised position
shall have a barrier a minimum 1-1/2 inches high. Such barriers shall not
interfere with maneuvering into or out of the aisle. The loading-edge barrier
(outer barrier) which functions as a loading ramp when the lift is at ground
level, shall be sufficient when raised or closed, or a supplementary system
shall be provided, to prevent a power wheelchair or mobility aid from riding
over or defeating it. The outer barrier of the lift shall automatically rise or
close, or a supplementary system shall automatically engage, and remain raised,
closed, or engaged at all times that the lift is more than 3 inches above the
station platform or roadway and the lift is occupied. Alternatively, a barrier
or system may be raised, lowered, opened, closed, engaged or disengaged by the
lift operator provided an interlock or inherent design feature prevents the lift
from rising unless the barrier is raised or closed or the supplementary system
is engaged.
(6) Platform surface. The lift platform surface shall be free of any
protrusions over ¼ inch high and shall be slip resistant. The lift platform
shall have a minimum clear width of 28-1/2 inches at the platform, a minimum
clear width of 30 inches measured from 2 inches above the lift platform surface
to 30 inches above the surface, and a minimum clear length of 48 inches measured
from 2 inches above the surface of the platform to 30 inches above the surface.
(See Fig.
1)
(7) Platform gaps. Any openings between the lift platform surface and
the raised barriers shall not exceed 5/8 inch wide. When the lift is at vehicle
floor height with the inner barrier (if applicable) down or retracted, gaps
between the forward lift platform edge and vehicle floor shall not exceed ½ inch
horizontally and 5/8 inch vertically. Platforms on semi-automatic lifts may have
a hand hold not exceeding 1-1/2 inches by 4-1/2 inches located between the edge
barriers.
(8) Platform entrance ramp. The entrance ramp, or loading-edge barrier
used as a ramp, shall not exceed a slope of 1:8 measured on level ground, for a
maximum rise of 3 inches, and the transition from the station platform or
roadway to ramp may be vertical without edge treatment up to ¼ inch. Thresholds
between ¼ inch and ½ inch high shall be beveled with a slope no greater than
1:2.
(9) Platform deflection. The lift platform (not including the entrance
ramp) shall not deflect more than 3 degrees (exclusive of vehicle roll) in any
direction between its unloaded position and its position when loaded with 600
pounds applied through a 26 inch by 26 inch test pallet at the centroid of the
lift platform.
(10) Platform movement. No part of the platform shall move at a rate
exceeding 6 inches/second during lowering and lifting an occupant, and shall not
exceed 12 inches/second during deploying or stowing. This requirement does not
apply to the deployment or stowage cycles of lifts that are manually deployed or
stowed. The maximum platform horizontal and vertical acceleration when occupied
shall be 0.3g.
(11) Boarding direction. The lift shall permit both inboard and
outboard facing of wheelchairs and mobility aids.
(12) Use by standees. Lifts shall accommodate persons using walkers,
crutches, canes or braces or who otherwise have difficulty using steps. The lift
may be marked to indicate a preferred standing position.
(13) Handrails. Platforms on lifts shall be equipped with handrails,
on two sides, which move in tandem with the lift which shall be graspable and
provide support to standees throughout the entire lift operation. Handrails
shall have a usable component at least 8 inches long with the lowest portion a
minimum 30 inches above the platform and the highest portion a maximum 38 inches
above the platform. The handrails shall be capable of withstanding a force of
100 pounds concentrated at any point on the handrail without permanent
deformation of the rail or its supporting structure. Handrails shall have a
cross-sectional diameter between 11/4 inches and 11/2 inches or shall provide an
equivalent grasping surface, and have eased edges with corner radii of not less
than 1/8 inch. Handrails shall be placed to provide a minimum 1-1/2 inches
knuckle clearance from the nearest adjacent surface. Handrails shall not
interfere with wheelchair or mobility aid maneuverability when entering or
leaving the vehicle.
(c) Vehicle ramp or bridge plate. - (1) Design load. Ramps or
bridge plates 30 inches or longer shall support a load of 600 pounds, placed at
the centroid of the ramp or bridge plate distributed over an area of 26 inches
by 26 inches, with a safety factor of at least 3 based on the ultimate strength
of the material. Ramps or bridge plates shorter than 30 inches shall support a
load of 300 pounds.
(2) Ramp surface. The ramp or bridge plate surface shall be continuous
and slip resistant, shall not have protrusions from the surface greater than ¼
inch, shall have a clear width of 30 inches, and shall accommodate both
four-wheel and three-wheel mobility aids.
(3) Ramp threshold. The transition from roadway or station platform
and the transition from vehicle floor to the ramp or bridge plate may be
vertical without edge treatment up to ¼ inch. Changes in level between ¼ inch
and ½ inch shall be beveled with a slope no greater than 1:2.
(4) Ramp barriers. Each side of the ramp or bridge plate shall have
barriers at least 2 inches high to prevent mobility aid wheels from slipping
off.
(5) Slope. Ramps or bridge plates shall have the least slope
practicable. If the height of the vehicle floor, under 50% passenger load, from
which the ramp is deployed is 3 inches or less above the station platform a
maximum slope of 1:4 is permitted; if the height of the vehicle floor, under 50%
passenger load, from which the ramp is deployed is 6 inches or less, but more
than 3 inches, above the station platform a maximum slope of 1:6 is permitted;
if the height of the vehicle floor, under 50% passenger load, from which the
ramp is deployed is 9 inches or less, but more than 6 inches, above the station
platform a maximum slope of 1:8 is permitted; if the height of the vehicle
floor, under 50% passenger load, from which the ramp is deployed is greater than
9 inches above the station platform a slope of 1:12 shall be achieved. Folding
or telescoping ramps are permitted provided they meet all structural
requirements of this section.
(6) Attachment. - (i) Requirement. When in use for boarding or
alighting, the ramp or bridge plate shall be attached to the vehicle, or
otherwise prevented from moving such that it is not subject to displacement when
loading or unloading a heavy power mobility aid and that any gaps between
vehicle and ramp or bridge plate, and station platform and ramp or bridge plate,
shall not exceed 5/8 inch.
(ii) Exception. Ramps or bridge plates which are attached to, and
deployed from, station platforms are permitted in lieu of vehicle devices
provided they meet the displacement requirements of paragraph (c);(6)(i) of this
section.
(7) Stowage. A compartment, securement system, or other appropriate
method shall be provided to ensure that stowed ramps or bridge plates, including
portable ramps or bridge plates stowed in the passenger area, do not impinge on
a passenger's wheelchair or mobility aid or pose any hazard to passengers in the
event of a sudden stop.
(8) Handrails. If provided, handrails shall allow persons with
disabilities to grasp them from outside the vehicle while starting to board, and
to continue to use them throughout the boarding process, and shall have the top
between 30 inches and 38 inches above the ramp surface. The handrails shall be
capable of withstanding a force of 100 pounds concentrated at any point on the
handrail without permanent deformation of the rail or its supporting structure.
The handrail shall have a cross-sectional diameter between 11/4 inches and 11/2
inches or shall provide an equivalent grasping surface, and have eased edges
with corner radii of not less than 1/8 inch. Handrails shall not interfere with
wheelchair or mobility aid maneuverability when entering or leaving the vehicle.
§1192.85 Between-car barriers
Where vehicles operate in a high-platform, level-boarding mode, devices or
systems shall be provided to prevent, deter or warn individuals from
inadvertently stepping off the platform between cars. Appropriate devices
include, but are not limited to, pantograph gates, chains, motion detectors or
other suitable devices.
§1192.87 Public information system.
(a) Each vehicle shall be equipped with an interior public address system
permitting transportation system personnel, or recorded or digitized human
speech messages, to announce stations and provide other passenger information.
Alternative systems or devices which provide equivalent access are also
permitted.
(b) [Reserved]
Subpart E-Commuter Rail Cars and Systems
§1192.91 General.
(a) New, used and remanufactured commuter rail cars, to be considered
accessible by regulations issued by the Department of Transportation in 49 CFR
part 37, shall comply with this subpart.
(b) If portions of the car are modified in such a way that it affects or
could affect accessibility, each such portion shall comply, to the extent
practicable, with the applicable provisions of this subpart. This provision does
not require that inaccessible cars be retrofitted with lifts, ramps or other
boarding devices.
(c)(1) Commuter rail cars shall comply with §§1192.93(d) and 1192.109 for
level boarding wherever structurally and operationally practicable.
(2) Where level boarding is not structurally or operationally practicable,
commuter rail cars shall comply with §1192.95.
(d) Existing vehicles retrofitted to comply with the "one-car-per-train rule"
at 49 CFR 37.93 shall comply with §§1192.93(e), 1192.95(a) and 1192.107 and
shall have, in new and key stations, at least one door on each side from which
passengers board which complies with §1192.93(d). Vehicles previously designed
and manufactured in accordance with the program accessibility requirements of
section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, or implementing regulations
issued by the Department of Transportation that were in effect before October 7,
1991 and which can be entered and used from stations in which they are to be
operated, may be used to satisfy the requirements of 49 CFR 37.93.
§1192.93 Doorways.
(a) Clear width. (1) At least one door on each side of the car from
which passengers board opening onto station platforms and at least one adjacent
doorway into the passenger coach compartment, if provided, shall have a minimum
clear opening of 32 inches.
(2) If doorways connecting adjoining cars in a multi-car train are provided,
and if such doorway is connected by an aisle with a minimum clear width of 30
inches to one or more spaces where wheelchair or mobility aid users can be
accommodated, then such doorway shall have, to the maximum extent practicable in
accordance with the regulations issued under the Federal Railroad Safety Act of
1970 (49 CFR parts 229 and 231), a clear opening of 30 inches.
(b) Passageways. A route at least 32 inches wide shall be provided
from doors required to be accessible by paragraph (a)(1) of this section to
seating locations complying with §1192.95(d). In cars where such doorways
require passage through a vestibule, such vestibule shall have a minimum width
of 42 inches. (See Fig.
3)
(c) Signals. If doors to the platform close automatically or from a
remote location, auditory and visual warning signals shall be provided to alert
passengers of closing doors.
(d) Coordination with boarding platform. - (1) Requirements.
Cars operating in stations with high platforms, or mini-high platforms, shall be
coordinated with the boarding platform design such that the horizontal gap
between a car at rest and the platform shall be no greater than 3 inches and the
height of the car floor shall be within plus or minus 5/8 inch of the platform
height. Vertical alignment may be accomplished by car air suspension, platform
lifts or other devices, or any combination.
(2) Exception. New vehicles operating in existing stations may have a
floor height within plus or minus 1-1/2 inches of the platform height. At key
stations, the horizontal gap between at least one accessible door of each such
vehicle and the platform shall be no greater than 3 inches.
(3) Exception. Where platform set-backs do not allow the horizontal
gap or vertical alignment specified in paragraph (d)(1) or (2) of this section,
car, platform or portable lifts complying with §1192.95(b), or car or platform
ramps or bridge plates, complying with §1192.95(c), shall be provided.
(4) Exception. Retrofitted vehicles shall be coordinated with the
platform in new and key stations such that the horizontal gap shall be no
greater than 4 inches and the height of the vehicle floor, under 50% passenger
load, shall be within plus or minus 2 inches of the platform height.
(e) Signage. The International Symbol of Accessibility shall be
displayed on the exterior of all doors complying with this section unless all
cars are accessible and are not marked by the access symbol. (See Fig.
6) Appropriate signage shall also indicate which accessible doors are
adjacent to an accessible restroom, if applicable.
§1192.95 Mobility aid accessibility.
(a)(1) General. All new commuter rail cars, other than level entry
cars, covered by this subpart shall provide a level-change mechanism or boarding
device (e.g., lift, ramp or bridge plate) complying with either paragraph (b) or
(c); of this section; sufficient clearances to permit a wheelchair or mobility
aid user to reach a seating location; and at least two wheelchair or mobility
aid seating locations complying with paragraph (d) of this section.
(2) Exception. If portable or platform lifts, ramps or bridge plates
meeting the applicable requirements of this section are provided on station
platforms or other stops, or mini-high platforms complying with §1192.93(d) are
provided, at stations or stops required to be accessible by 49 CFR part 37, the
car is not required to be equipped with a car-borne device. Where each new car
is compatible with a single platform-mounted access system or device, additional
systems or devices are not required for each car provided that the single device
could be used to provide access to each new car if passengers using wheelchairs
or mobility aids could not be accommodated on a single car.
(b) Car Lift. - (1) Design load. The design load of the lift
shall be at least 600 pounds. Working parts, such as cables, pulleys, and
shafts, which can be expected to wear, and upon which the lift depends for
support of the load, shall have a safety factor of at least six, based on the
ultimate strength of the material. Nonworking parts, such as platform, frame,
and attachment hardware which would not be expected to wear, shall have a safety
factor of at least three, based on the ultimate strength of the material.
(2) Controls. (i) Requirements. The controls shall be
interlocked with the car brakes, propulsion system, or door, or shall provide
other appropriate mechanisms or systems, to ensure that the car cannot be moved
when the lift is not stowed and so the lift cannot be deployed unless the
interlocks or systems are engaged. The lift shall deploy to all platform levels
normally encountered in the operating environment. Where provided, each control
for deploying, lowering, raising, and stowing the lift and lowering the roll-off
barrier shall be of a momentary contact type requiring continuous manual
pressure by the operator and shall not allow improper lift sequencing when the
lift platform is occupied. The controls shall allow reversal of the lift
operation sequence, such as raising or lowering a platform that is part way
down, without allowing an occupied platform to fold or retract into the stowed
position.
(ii) Exception. Where physical or safety constraints prevent the
deployment at some stops of a lift having its long dimension perpendicular to
the car axis, the transportation entity may specify a lift which is designed to
deploy with its long dimension parallel to the car axis and which pivots into or
out of the car while occupied (i.e., "rotary lift"). The requirements of
paragraph (b)(2)(i) of this section prohibiting the lift from being stowed while
occupied shall not apply to a lift design of this type if the stowed position is
within the passenger compartment and the lift is intended to be stowed while
occupied.
(iii) Exception. The brake or propulsion system interlock requirement
does not apply to a platform mounted or portable lift provided that a
mechanical, electrical or other system operates to ensure that cars do not move
when the lift is in use.
(3) Emergency operation. The lift shall incorporate an emergency
method of deploying, lowering to ground or platform level with a lift occupant,
and raising and stowing the empty lift if the power to the lift fails. No
emergency method, manual or otherwise, shall be capable of being operated in a
manner that could be hazardous to the lift occupant or to the operator when
operated according to manufacturer's instructions, and shall not permit the
platform to be stowed or folded when occupied, unless the lift is a rotary lift
intended to be stowed while occupied.
(4) Power or equipment failure. Platforms stowed in a vertical
position, and deployed platforms when occupied, shall have provisions to prevent
their deploying, falling, or folding any faster than 12 inches/second or their
dropping of an occupant in the event of a single failure of any load carrying
component.
(5) Platform barriers. The lift platform shall be equipped with
barriers to prevent any of the wheels of a wheelchair or mobility aid from
rolling off the lift during its operation. A movable barrier or inherent design
feature shall prevent a wheelchair or mobility aid from rolling off the edge
closest to the car until the lift is in its fully raised position. Each side of
the lift platform which, in its raised position, extends beyond the car shall
have a barrier a minimum 1-1/2 inches high. Such barriers shall not interfere
with maneuvering into or out of the car. The loading-edge barrier (outer
barrier) which functions as a loading ramp when the lift is at ground or station
platform level, shall be sufficient when raised or closed, or a supplementary
system shall be provided, to prevent a power wheelchair or mobility aid from
riding over or defeating it. The outer barrier of the lift shall automatically
rise or close, or a supplementary system shall automatically engage, and remain
raised, closed, or engaged at all times that the lift platform is more than 3
inches above the station platform and the lift is occupied. Alternatively, a
barrier or system may be raised, lowered, opened, closed, engaged or disengaged
by the lift operator provided an interlock or inherent design feature prevents
the lift from rising unless the barrier is raised or closed or the supplementary
system is engaged.
(6) Platform surface. The lift platform surface shall be free of any
protrusions over ¼ inch high and shall be slip resistant. The lift platform
shall have a minimum clear width of 28-1/2 inches at the platform, a minimum
clear width of 30 inches measured from 2 inches above the lift platform surface
to 30 inches above the surface, and a minimum clear length of 48 inches measured
from 2 inches above the surface of the platform to 30 inches above the surface.
(See Fig.
1)
(7) Platform gaps. Any openings between the lift platform surface and
the raised barriers shall not exceed 5/8 inch wide. When the lift is at car
floor height with the inner barrier down (if applicable) or retracted, gaps
between the forward lift platform edge and car floor shall not exceed ½ inch
horizontally and 5/8 inch vertically. Platforms on semi-automatic lifts may have
a hand hold not exceeding 1-1/2 inches by 4-1/2 inches located between the edge
barriers.
(8) Platform entrance ramp. The entrance ramp, or loading-edge barrier
used as a ramp, shall not exceed a slope of 1:8, when measured on level ground,
for a maximum rise of 3 inches, and the transition from station platform to ramp
may be vertical without edge treatment up to ¼ inch. Thresholds between ¼ inch
and ½ inch high shall be beveled with a slope no greater than 1:2.
(9) Platform deflection. The lift platform (not including the entrance
ramp) shall not deflect more than 3 degrees (exclusive of vehicle roll) in any
direction between its unloaded position and its position when loaded with 600
pounds applied through a 26 inch by 26 inch test pallet at the centroid of the
lift platform.
(10) Platform movement. No part of the platform shall move at a rate
exceeding 6 inches/second during lowering and lifting an occupant, and shall not
exceed 12 inches/second during deploying or stowing. This requirement does not
apply to the deployment or stowage cycles of lifts that are manually deployed or
stowed. The maximum platform horizontal and vertical acceleration when occupied
shall be 0.3g.
(11) Boarding direction. The lift shall permit both inboard and
outboard facing of wheelchairs and mobility aids.
(12) Use by standees. Lifts shall accommodate persons using walkers,
crutches, canes or braces or who otherwise have difficulty using steps. The lift
may be marked to indicate a preferred standing position.
(13) Handrails. Platforms on lifts shall be equipped with handrails,
on two sides, which move in tandem with the lift which shall be graspable and
provide support to standees throughout the entire lift operation. Handrails
shall have a usable component at least 8 inches long with the lowest portion a
minimum 30 inches above the platform and the highest portion a maximum 38 inches
above the platform. The handrails shall be capable of withstanding a force of
100 pounds concentrated at any point on the handrail without permanent
deformation of the rail or its supporting structure. The handrail shall have a
cross-sectional diameter between 11/4 inches and 11/2 inches or shall provide an
equivalent grasping surface, and have eased edges with corner radii of not less
than 1/8 inch. Handrails shall be placed to provide a minimum 1-1/2 inches
knuckle clearance from the nearest adjacent surface. Handrails shall not
interfere with wheelchair or mobility aid maneuverability when entering or
leaving the car.
(c) Car ramp or bridge plate. - (1) Design load. Ramps or
bridge plates 30 inches or longer shall support a load of 600 pounds, placed at
the centroid of the ramp or bridge plate distributed over an area of 26 inches
by 26 inches, with a safety factor of at least 3 based on the ultimate strength
of the material. Ramps or bridge plates shorter than 30 inches shall support a
load of 300 pounds.
(2) Ramp surface. The ramp or bridge plate surface shall be continuous
and slip resistant, shall not have protrusions from the surface greater than ¼
inch high, shall have a clear width of 30 inches and shall accommodate both
four-wheel and three-wheel mobility aids.
(3) Ramp threshold. The transition from station platform to the ramp
or bridge plate and the transition from car floor to the ramp or bridge plate
may be vertical without edge treatment up to ¼ inch. Changes in level between ¼
inch and ½ inch shall be beveled with a slope no greater than 1:2.
(4) Ramp barriers. Each side of the ramp or bridge plate shall have
barriers at least 2 inches high to prevent mobility aid wheels from slipping
off.
(5) Slope. Ramps or bridge plates shall have the least slope
practicable. If the height of the vehicle floor, under 50% passenger load, from
which the ramp is deployed is 3 inches or less above the station platform a
maximum slope of 1:4 is permitted; if the height of the vehicle floor, under 50%
passenger load, from which the ramp is deployed is 6 inches or less, but more
than 3 inches, above the station platform a maximum slope of 1:6 is permitted;
if the height of the vehicle floor, under 50% passenger load, from which the
ramp is deployed is 9 inches or less, but more than 6 inches, above the station
platform a maximum slope of 1:8 is permitted; if the height of the vehicle
floor, under 50% passenger load, from which the ramp is deployed is greater than
9 inches above the station platform a slope of 1:12 shall be achieved. Folding
or telescoping ramps are permitted provided they meet all structural
requirements of this section.
(6) Attachment. - (i) Requirement. When in use for boarding or
alighting, the ramp or bridge plate shall be attached to the vehicle, or
otherwise prevented from moving such that it is not subject to displacement when
loading or unloading a heavy power mobility aid and that any gaps between
vehicle and ramp or bridge plate, and station platform and ramp or bridge plate,
shall not exceed 5/8 inch.
(ii) Exception. Ramps or bridge plates which are attached to, and
deployed from, station platforms are permitted in lieu of car devices provided
they meet the displacement requirements of paragraph (c);(6)(i) of this section.
(7) Stowage. A compartment, securement system, or other appropriate
method shall be provided to ensure that stowed ramps or bridge plates, including
portable ramps or bridge plates stowed in the passenger area, do not impinge on
a passenger's wheelchair or mobility aid or pose any hazard to passengers in the
event of a sudden stop.
(8) Handrails. If provided, handrails shall allow persons with
disabilities to grasp them from outside the car while starting to board, and to
continue to use them throughout the boarding process, and shall have the top
between 30 inches and 38 inches above the ramp surface. The handrails shall be
capable of withstanding a force of 100 pounds concentrated at any point on the
handrail without permanent deformation of the rail or its supporting structure.
The handrail shall have a cross-sectional diameter between 11/4 inches and 11/2
inches or shall provide an equivalent grasping surface, and have eased edges
with corner radii of not less than 1/8 inch. Handrails shall not interfere with
wheelchair or mobility aid maneuverability when entering or leaving the car.
(d) Mobility aid seating location. Spaces for persons who wish to
remain in their wheelchairs or mobility aids shall have a minimum clear floor
space 48 inches by 30 inches. Such spaces shall adjoin, and may overlap, an
accessible path. Not more than 6 inches of the required clear floor space may be
accommodated for footrests under another seat provided there is a minimum of 9
inches from the floor to the lowest part of the seat overhanging the space.
Seating spaces may have fold-down or removable seats to accommodate other
passengers when a wheelchair or mobility aid user is not occupying the area,
provided the seats, when folded up, do not obstruct the clear floor space
required. (See Fig.
2)
§1192.97 Interior circulation, handrails and
stanchions.
(a) Where provided, handrails or stanchions within the passenger compartment
shall be placed to permit sufficient turning and maneuvering space for
wheelchairs and other mobility aids to reach a seating location, complying with
§1192.95(d), from an accessible entrance. The diameter or width of the gripping
surface of interior handrails and stanchions shall be 11/4 inches to 11/2 inches
or shall provide an equivalent gripping surface. Handrails shall be placed to
provide a minimum 1-1/2 inches knuckle clearance from the nearest adjacent
surface.
(b) Where provided, handrails or stanchions shall be sufficient to permit
safe boarding, on-board circulation, seating and standing assistance, and
alighting by persons with disabilities.
(c) At entrances equipped with steps, handrails or stanchions shall be
provided in the entrance to the car in a configuration which allows passengers
to grasp such assists from outside the car while starting to board, and to
continue using such assists throughout the boarding process, to the extent
permitted by 49 CFR part 231.
§1192.99 Floors, steps and thresholds.
(a) Floor surfaces on aisles, step treads, places for standees, and areas
where wheelchair and mobility aid users are to be accommodated shall be
slip-resistant.
(b) All thresholds and step edges shall have a band of color(s) running the
full width of the step or threshold which contrasts from the step tread and
riser or adjacent floor, either light-on-dark or dark-on-light.
§1192.101 Lighting.
(a) Any stepwell or doorway with a lift, ramp or bridge plate shall have,
when the door is open, at least 2 footcandles of illumination measured on the
step tread, ramp, bridge plate, or lift platform.
(b) The doorways of cars not operating at lighted station platforms shall
have outside lights which, when the door is open, provide at least 1 footcandle
of illumination on the station platform surface for a distance of 3 feet
perpendicular to all points on the bottom step tread edge. Such lights shall be
shielded to protect the eyes of entering and exiting passengers.
§1192.103 Public information system.
(a) Each car shall be equipped with an interior public address system
permitting transportation system personnel, or recorded or digitized human
speech messages, to announce stations and provide other passenger information.
Alternative systems or devices which provide equivalent access are also
permitted.
(b) [Reserved]
§1192.105 Priority seating signs.
(a) Each car shall contain sign(s) which indicate that certain seats are
priority seats for persons with disabilities and that other passengers should
make such seats available to those who wish to use them.
(b) Characters on signs required by paragraph (a) shall have a
width-to-height ratio between 3:5 and 1:1 and a stroke width-to-height ratio
between 1:5 and 1:10, with a minimum character height (using an upper case "X")
of 5/8 inch, with "wide" spacing (generally, the space between letters shall be
1/16 the height of upper case letters), and shall contrast with the background
either light-on-dark or dark-on-light.
§1192.107 Restrooms.
(a) If a restroom is provided for the general public, it shall be designed so
as to allow a person using a wheelchair or mobility aid to enter and use such
restroom as specified in paragraphs (a)(1) through (5) of this section.
(1) The minimum clear floor area shall be 35 inches by 60 inches. Permanently
installed fixtures may overlap this area a maximum of 6 inches, if the lowest
portion of the fixture is a minimum of 9 inches above the floor, and may overlap
a maximum of 19 inches, if the lowest portion of the fixture is a minimum of 29
inches above the floor, provided such fixtures do not interfere with access to
the water closet. Fold-down or retractable seats or shelves may overlap the
clear floor space at a lower height provided they can be easily folded up or
moved out of the way.
(2) The height of the water closet shall be 17 inches to 19 inches measured
to the top of the toilet seat. Seats shall not be sprung to return to a lifted
position.
(3) A grab bar at least 24 inches long shall be mounted behind the water
closet, and a horizontal grab bar at least 40 inches long shall be mounted on at
least one side wall, with one end not more than 12 inches from the back wall, at
a height between 33 inches and 36 inches above the floor.
(4) Faucets and flush controls shall be operable with one hand and shall not
require tight grasping, pinching, or twisting of the wrist. The force required
to activate controls shall be no greater than 5 lbf (22.2 N). Controls for flush
valves shall be mounted no more than 44 inches above the floor.
(5) Doorways on the end of the enclosure, opposite the water closet, shall
have a minimum clear opening width of 32 inches. Doorways on the side wall shall
have a minimum clear opening width of 39 inches. Door latches and hardware shall
be operable with one hand and shall not require tight grasping, pinching, or
twisting of the wrist.
(b) Restrooms required to be accessible shall be in close proximity to at
least one seating location for persons using mobility aids and shall be
connected to such a space by an unobstructed path having a minimum width of 32
inches.
§1192.109 Between-car barriers.
Where vehicles operate in a high-platform, level-boarding mode, and where
between-car bellows are not provided, devices or systems shall be provided to
prevent, deter or warn individuals from inadvertently stepping off the platform
between cars. Appropriate devices include, but are not limited to, pantograph
gates, chains, motion detectors or other suitable devices.
Subpart F-Intercity Rail Cars and Systems
§1192.111 General.
(a) New, used and remanufactured intercity rail cars, to be considered
accessible by regulations issued by the Department of Transportation in 49 CFR
part 37, shall comply with this subpart to the extent required for each type of
car as specified below.
(1) Single-level rail passenger coaches and food service cars (other than
single-level dining cars) shall comply with §§1192.113 through 1192.123.
Compliance with §1192.125 shall be required only to the extent necessary to meet
the requirements of paragraph (d) of this section.
(2) Single-level dining and lounge cars shall have at least one connecting
doorway complying with §1192.113(a)(2), connected to a car accessible to persons
using wheelchairs or mobility aids, and at least one space complying with
§1192.125(d)(2) and (3), to provide table service to a person who wishes to
remain in his or her wheelchair, and space to fold and store a wheelchair for a
person who wishes to transfer to an existing seat.
(3) Bi-level dining cars shall comply with §§1192.113(a)(2), 1192.115(b),
1192.117(a), and 1192.121.
(4) Bi-level lounge cars shall have doors on the lower level, on each side of
the car from which passengers board, complying with §1192.113, a restroom
complying with §1192.123, and at least one space complying with §1192.125(d)(2)
and (3) to provide table service to a person who wishes to remain in his or her
wheelchair and space to fold and store a wheelchair for a person who wishes to
transfer to an existing seat.
(5) Restrooms complying with §1192.123 shall be provided in single-level rail
passenger coaches and food service cars adjacent to the accessible seating
locations required by paragraph (d) of this section. Accessible restrooms are
required in dining and lounge cars only if restrooms are provided for other
passengers.
(6) Sleeper cars shall comply with §§1192.113(b) through (d), 1192.115
through 1192.121, and 1192.125, and have at least one compartment which can be
entered and used by a person using a wheelchair or mobility aid and complying
with §1192.127.
(b)(1) If physically and operationally practicable, intercity rail cars shall
comply with §1192.113(d) for level boarding. (2) Where level boarding is not
structurally or operationally practicable, intercity rail cars shall comply with
§1192.125.
(c) If portions of the car are modified in a way that affects or could affect
accessibility, each such portion shall comply, to the extent practicable, with
the applicable provisions of this subpart. This provision does not require that
inaccessible cars be retrofitted with lifts, ramps or other boarding devices.
(d) Passenger coaches or food service cars shall have the number of spaces
complying with §1192.125(d)(2) and the number of spaces complying with
§1192.125(d)(3), as required by 49 CFR 37.91.
(e) Existing cars retrofitted to meet the seating requirements of 49 CFR
37.91 shall comply with §§1192.113(e), 1192.123, 1192.125(d) and shall have at
least one door on each side from which passengers board complying with
§1192.113(d). Existing cars designed and manufactured to be accessible in
accordance with Department of Transportation regulations implementing section
504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 that were in effect before October 7,
1991, shall comply with §1192.125(a).
§1192.113 Doorways.
(a) Clear width. (1) At least one doorway, on each side of the car
from which passengers board, of each car required to be accessible by
§1192.111(a) and where the spaces required by §1192.111(d) are located, and at
least one adjacent doorway into coach passenger compartments shall have a
minimum clear opening width of 32 inches.
(2) Doorways at ends of cars connecting two adjacent cars, to the maximum
extent practicable in accordance with regulations issued under the Federal
Railroad Safety Act of 1970 (49 CFR parts 229 and 231), shall have a clear
opening width of 32 inches to permit wheelchair and mobility aid users to enter
into a single-level dining car, if available.
(b) Passageway. Doorways required to be accessible by paragraph (a) of
this section shall permit access by persons using mobility aids and shall have
an unobstructed passageway at least 32 inches wide leading to an accessible
sleeping compartment complying with §1192.127 or seating locations complying
with §1192.125(d). In cars where such doorways require passage through a
vestibule, such vestibule shall have a minimum width of 42 inches.
(c) Signals. If doors to the platform close automatically or from a
remote location, auditory and visual warning signals shall be provided to alert
passengers of closing doors.
(d) Coordination with boarding platforms. - (1) Requirements.
Cars which provide level-boarding in stations with high platforms shall be
coordinated with the boarding platform or mini-high platform design such that
the horizontal gap between a car at rest and the platform shall be no greater
than 3 inches and the height of the car floor shall be within plus or minus 5/8
inch of the platform height. Vertical alignment may be accomplished by car air
suspension, platform lifts or other devices, or any combination.
(2) Exception. New cars operating in existing stations may have a
floor height within plus or minus 1-1/2 inches of the platform height.
(3) Exception. Where platform set-backs do not allow the horizontal
gap or vertical alignment specified in paragraph (d)(1) or (2), platform or
portable lifts complying with §1192.125(b), or car or platform bridge plates,
complying with §1192.125(c), may be provided.
(4) Exception. Retrofitted vehicles shall be coordinated with the
platform in existing stations such that the horizontal gap shall be no greater
than 4 inches and the height of the vehicle floor, under 50% passenger load,
shall be within plus or minus 2 inches of the platform height.
(e) Signage. The International Symbol of Accessibility shall be
displayed on the exterior of all doors complying with this section unless all
cars and doors are accessible and are not marked by the access symbol. (See Fig.
6) Appropriate signage shall also indicate which accessible doors are
adjacent to an accessible restroom, if applicable.
§1192.115 Interior circulation, handrails and
stanchions.
(a) Where provided, handrails or stanchions within the passenger compartment
shall be placed to permit sufficient turning and maneuvering space for
wheelchairs and other mobility aids to reach a seating location, complying with
§1192.125(d), from an accessible entrance. The diameter or width of the gripping
surface of interior handrails and stanchions shall be 11/4 inches to 11/2 inches
or shall provide an equivalent gripping surface. Handrails shall be placed to
provide a minimum 1-1/2 inches knuckle clearance from the nearest adjacent
surface.
(b) Where provided, handrails and stanchions shall be sufficient to permit
safe boarding, on-board circulation, seating and standing assistance, and
alighting by persons with disabilities.
(c) At entrances equipped with steps, handrails or stanchions shall be
provided in the entrance to the car in a configuration which allows passengers
to grasp such assists from outside the car while starting to board, and to
continue using such assists throughout the boarding process, to the extent
permitted by 49 CFR part 231.
§1192.117 Floors, steps and thresholds.
(a) Floor surfaces on aisles, step treads and areas where wheelchair and
mobility aid users are to be accommodated shall be slip-resistant.
(b) All step edges and thresholds shall have a band of color(s) running the
full width of the step or threshold which contrasts from the step tread and
riser or adjacent floor, either light-on-dark or dark-on-light.
§1192.119 Lighting.
(a) Any stepwell, or doorway with a lift, ramp or bridge plate, shall have,
when the door is open, at least 2 footcandles of illumination measured on the
step tread, ramp, bridge plate or lift platform.
(b) The doorways of cars not operating at lighted station platforms shall
have outside lights which, when the door is open, provide at least 1 footcandle
of illumination on the station platform surface for a distance of 3 feet
perpendicular to all points on the bottom step tread edge. Such lights shall be
shielded to protect the eyes of entering and exiting passengers.
§1192.121 Public information system.
(a) Each car shall be equipped with a public address system permitting
transportation system personnel, or recorded or digitized human speech messages,
to announce stations and provide other passenger information. Alternative
systems or devices which provide equivalent access are also permitted.
(b) [Reserved]
§1192.123 Restrooms.
(a) If a restroom is provided for the general public, and an accessible
restroom is required by §1192.111(a) and (e), it shall be designed so as to
allow a person using a wheelchair or mobility aid to enter and use such restroom
as specified in paragraphs (a)(1) through (5) of this section.
(1) The minimum clear floor area shall be 35 inches by 60 inches. Permanently
installed fixtures may overlap this area a maximum of 6 inches, if the lowest
portion of the fixture is a minimum of 9 inches above the floor, and may overlap
a maximum of 19 inches, if the lowest portion of the fixture is a minimum of 29
inches above the floor. Fixtures shall not interfere with access to and use of
the water closet. Fold-down or retractable seats or shelves may overlap the
clear floor space at a lower height provided they can be easily folded up or
moved out of the way.
(2) The height of the water closet shall be 17 inches to 19 inches measured
to the top of the toilet seat. Seats shall not be sprung to return to a lifted
position.
(3) A grab bar at least 24 inches long shall be mounted behind the water
closet, and a horizontal grab bar at least 40 inches long shall be mounted on at
least one side wall, with one end not more than 12 inches from the back wall, at
a height between 33 inches and 36 inches above the floor.
(4) Faucets and flush controls shall be operable with one hand and shall not
require tight grasping, pinching, or twisting of the wrist. The force required
to activate controls shall be no greater than 5 lbf (22.2 N). Controls for flush
valves shall be mounted no more than 44 inches above the floor.
(5) Doorways on the end of the enclosure, opposite the water closet, shall
have a minimum clear opening width of 32 inches. Doorways on the side wall shall
have a minimum clear opening width of 39 inches. Door latches and hardware shall
be operable with one hand and shall not require tight grasping, pinching, or
twisting of the wrist.
(b) Restrooms required to be accessible shall be in close proximity to at
least one seating location for persons using mobility aids complying with
§1192.125(d) and shall be connected to such a space by an unobstructed path
having a minimum width of 32 inches.
§1192.125 Mobility aid accessibility.
(a)(1) General. All intercity rail cars, other than level entry cars,
required to be accessible by §1192.111(a) and (e) of this subpart shall provide
a level-change mechanism or boarding device (e.g., lift, ramp or bridge plate)
complying with either paragraph (b) or (c); of this section and sufficient
clearances to permit a wheelchair or other mobility aid user to reach a seating
location complying with paragraph (d) of this section.
(2) Exception. If portable or platform lifts, ramps or bridge plates
meeting the applicable requirements of this section are provided on station
platforms or other stops, or mini-high platforms complying with §1192.113(d) are
provided, at stations or stops required to be accessible by 49 CFR part 37, the
car is not required to be equipped with a car-borne device.
(b) Car Lift. - (1) Design load. The design load of the lift
shall be at least 600 pounds. Working parts, such as cables, pulleys, and
shafts, which can be expected to wear, and upon which the lift depends for
support of the load, shall have a safety factor of at least six, based on the
ultimate strength of the material. Nonworking parts, such as platform, frame,
and attachment hardware which would not be expected to wear, shall have a safety
factor of at least three, based on the ultimate strength of the material.
(2) Controls. - (i) Requirements. The controls shall be
interlocked with the car brakes, propulsion system, or door, or shall provide
other appropriate mechanisms or systems, to ensure that the car cannot be moved
when the lift is not stowed and so the lift cannot be deployed unless the
interlocks or systems are engaged. The lift shall deploy to all platform levels
normally encountered in the operating environment. Where provided, each control
for deploying, lowering, raising, and stowing the lift and lowering the roll-off
barrier shall be of a momentary contact type requiring continuous manual
pressure by the operator and shall not allow improper lift sequencing when the
lift platform is occupied. The controls shall allow reversal of the lift
operation sequence, such as raising or lowering a platform that is part way
down, without allowing an occupied platform to fold or retract into the stowed
position.
(ii) Exception. Where physical or safety constraints prevent the
deployment at some stops of a lift having its long dimension perpendicular to
the car axis, the transportation entity may specify a lift which is designed to
deploy with its long dimension parallel to the car axis and which pivots into or
out of the car while occupied (i.e., "rotary lift"). The requirements of
paragraph (b)(2)(i) of this section prohibiting the lift from being stowed while
occupied shall not apply to a lift design of this type if the stowed position is
within the passenger compartment and the lift is intended to be stowed while
occupied.
(iii) Exception. The brake or propulsion system interlocks requirement
does not apply to platform mounted or portable lifts provided that a mechanical,
electrical or other system operates to ensure that cars do not move when the
lift is in use.
(3) Emergency operation. The lift shall incorporate an emergency
method of deploying, lowering to ground or station platform level with a lift
occupant, and raising and stowing the empty lift if the power to the lift fails.
No emergency method, manual or otherwise, shall be capable of being operated in
a manner that could be hazardous to the lift occupant or to the operator when
operated according to manufacturer's instructions, and shall not permit the
platform to be stowed or folded when occupied, unless the lift is a rotary lift
and is intended to be stowed while occupied.
(4) Power or equipment failure. Platforms stowed in a vertical
position, and deployed platforms when occupied, shall have provisions to prevent
their deploying, falling, or folding any faster than 12 inches/second or their
dropping of an occupant in the event of a single failure of any load carrying
component.
(5) Platform barriers. The lift platform shall be equipped with
barriers to prevent any of the wheels of a wheelchair or mobility aid from
rolling off the lift during its operation. A movable barrier or inherent design
feature shall prevent a wheelchair or mobility aid from rolling off the edge
closest to the car until the lift is in its fully raised position. Each side of
the lift platform which, in its raised position, extends beyond the car shall
have a barrier a minimum 1-1/2 inches high. Such barriers shall not interfere
with maneuvering into or out of the car. The loading-edge barrier (outer
barrier) which functions as a loading ramp when the lift is at ground or station
platform level, shall be sufficient when raised or closed, or a supplementary
system shall be provided, to prevent a power wheelchair or mobility aid from
riding over or defeating it. The outer barrier of the lift shall automatically
rise or close, or a supplementary system shall automatically engage, and remain
raised, closed, or engaged at all times that the lift platform is more than 3
inches above the station platform and the lift is occupied. Alternatively, a
barrier or system may be raised, lowered, opened, closed, engaged or disengaged
by the lift operator provided an interlock or inherent design feature prevents
the lift from rising unless the barrier is raised or closed or the supplementary
system is engaged.
(6) Platform surface. The lift platform surface shall be free of any
protrusions over ¼ inch high and shall be slip resistant. The lift platform
shall have a minimum clear width of 28-1/2 inches at the platform, a minimum
clear width of 30 inches measured from 2 inches above the lift platform surface
to 30 inches above the surface, and a minimum clear length of 48 inches measured
from 2 inches above the surface of the platform to 30 inches above the surface.
(See Fig.
1)
(7) Platform gaps. Any openings between the lift
platform surface and the raised barriers shall not exceed 5/8 inch wide. When
the lift is at car floor height with the inner barrier (if applicable) down or
retracted, gaps between the forward lift platform edge and car floor shall not
exceed ½ inch horizontally and 5/8 inch vertically. Platforms on semi-automatic
lifts may have a hand hold not exceeding 1-1/2 inches by 4-1/2 inches located
between the edge barriers.
(8) Platform entrance ramp. The entrance ramp, or loading-edge barrier
used as a ramp, shall not exceed a slope of 1:8, when measured on level ground,
for a maximum rise of 3 inches, and the transition from station platform to ramp
may be vertical without edge treatment up to ¼ inch. Thresholds between ¼ inch
and ½ inch high shall be beveled with a slope no greater than 1:2.
(9) Platform deflection. The lift platform (not including the entrance
ramp) shall not deflect more than 3 degrees (exclusive of car roll) in any
direction between its unloaded position and its position when loaded with 600
pounds applied through a 26 inch by 26 inch test pallet at the centroid of the
lift platform.
(10) Platform movement. No part of the platform shall move at a rate
exceeding 6 inches/second during lowering and lifting an occupant, and shall not
exceed 12 inches/second during deploying or stowing. This requirement does not
apply to the deployment or stowage cycles of lifts that are manually deployed or
stowed. The maximum platform horizontal and vertical acceleration when occupied
shall be 0.3g.
(11) Boarding direction. The lift shall permit both inboard and
outboard facing of wheelchairs and mobility aids.
(12) Use by standees. Lifts shall accommodate persons using walkers,
crutches, canes or braces or who otherwise have difficulty using steps. The lift
may be marked to indicate a preferred standing position.
(13) Handrails. Platforms on lifts shall be equipped with handrails,
on two sides, which move in tandem with the lift, and which shall be graspable
and provide support to standees throughout the entire lift operation. Handrails
shall have a usable component at least 8 inches long with the lowest portion a
minimum 30 inches above the platform and the highest portion a maximum 38 inches
above the platform. The handrails shall be capable of withstanding a force of
100 pounds concentrated at any point on the handrail without permanent
deformation of the rail or its supporting structure. The handrail shall have a
cross-sectional diameter between 11/4 inches and 11/2 inches or shall provide an
equivalent grasping surface, and have eased edges with corner radii of not less
than 1/8 inch. Handrails shall be placed to provide a minimum 1-1/2 inches
knuckle clearance from the nearest adjacent surface. Handrails shall not
interfere with wheelchair or mobility aid maneuverability when entering or
leaving the car.
(c) Car ramp or bridge plate. - (1) Design load. Ramps or
bridge plates 30 inches or longer shall support a load of 600 pounds, placed at
the centroid of the ramp or bridge plate distributed over an area of 26 inches
by 26 inches, with a safety factor of at least 3 based on the ultimate strength
of the material. Ramps or bridge plates shorter than 30 inches shall support a
load of 300 pounds.
(2) Ramp surface. The ramp or bridge plate surface shall be continuous
and slip resistant, shall not have protrusions from the surface greater than ¼
inch high, shall have a clear width of 30 inches and shall accommodate both
four-wheel and three-wheel mobility aids.
(3) Ramp threshold. The transition from station platform to the ramp
or bridge plate and the transition from car floor to the ramp or bridge plate
may be vertical without edge treatment up to ¼ inch. Changes in level between ¼
inch and ½ inch shall be beveled with a slope no greater than 1:2.
(4) Ramp barriers. Each side of the ramp or bridge plate shall have
barriers at least 2 inches high to prevent mobility aid wheels from slipping
off.
(5) Slope. Ramps or bridge plates shall have the least slope
practicable. If the height of the vehicle floor, under 50% passenger load, from
which the ramp is deployed is 3 inches or less above the station platform a
maximum slope of 1:4 is permitted; if the height of the vehicle floor, under 50%
passenger load, from which the ramp is deployed is 6 inches or less, but more
than 3 inches, above the station platform a maximum slope of 1:6 is permitted;
if the height of the vehicle floor, under 50% passenger load, from which the
ramp is deployed is 9 inches or less, but more than 6 inches, above the station
platform a maximum slope of 1:8 is permitted; if the height of the vehicle
floor, under 50% passenger load, from which the ramp is deployed is greater than
9 inches above the station platform a slope of 1:12 shall be achieved. Folding
or telescoping ramps are permitted provided they meet all structural
requirements of this section.
(6) Attachment. - (i) Requirement. When in use for boarding or
alighting, the ramp or bridge plate shall be attached to the vehicle, or
otherwise prevented from moving such that it is not subject to displacement when
loading or unloading a heavy power mobility aid and that any gaps between
vehicle and ramp or bridge plate, and station platform and ramp or bridge plate,
shall not exceed 5/8 inch.
(ii) Exception. Ramps or bridge plates which are attached to, and
deployed from, station platforms are permitted in lieu of car devices provided
they meet the displacement requirements of paragraph (c);(6)(i) of this section.
(7) Stowage. A compartment, securement system, or other appropriate
method shall be provided to ensure that stowed ramps or bridge plates, including
portable ramps or bridge plates stowed in the passenger area, do not impinge on
a passenger's wheelchair or mobility aid or pose any hazard to passengers in the
event of a sudden stop.
(8) Handrails. If provided, handrails shall allow persons with
disabilities to grasp them from outside the car while starting to board, and to
continue to use them throughout the boarding process, and shall have the top
between 30 inches and 38 inches above the ramp surface. The handrails shall be
capable of withstanding a force of 100 pounds concentrated at any point on the
handrail without permanent deformation of the rail or its supporting structure.
The handrail shall have a cross-sectional diameter between 11/4 inches and 11/2
inches or shall provide an equivalent grasping surface, and have eased edges
with corner radii of not less than 1/8 inch. Handrails shall not interfere with
wheelchair or mobility aid maneuverability when entering or leaving the car.
(d) Seating. - (1) Requirements. All intercity rail cars
required to be accessible by §1192.111(a) and (e) of this subpart shall provide
at least one, but not more than two, mobility aid seating location(s) complying
with paragraph (d)(2) of this section; and at least one, but not more than two,
seating location(s) complying with paragraph (d)(3) of this section which adjoin
or overlap an accessible route with a minimum clear width of 32 inches.
(2) Wheelchair or mobility aid spaces. Spaces for persons who wish to
remain in their wheelchairs or mobility aids shall have a minimum clear floor
area 48 inches by 30 inches. Such space may have fold-down or removable seats
for use when not occupied by a wheelchair or mobility aid user. (See Fig.
2)
(3) Other spaces. Spaces for individuals who wish
to transfer shall include a regular coach seat or dining car booth or table seat
and space to fold and store the passenger's wheelchair.
§1192.127 Sleeping compartments.
(a) Sleeping compartments required to be accessible shall be designed so as
to allow a person using a wheelchair or mobility aid to enter, maneuver within
and approach and use each element within such compartment. (See Fig.
5)
(b) Each accessible compartment shall contain a restroom
complying with §1192.123(a) which can be entered directly from such compartment.
(c) Controls and operating mechanisms (e.g., heating and air conditioning
controls, lighting controls, call buttons, electrical outlets, etc.) shall be
mounted no more than 48 inches, and no less than 15 inches, above the floor and
shall have a clear floor area directly in front a minimum of 30 inches by 48
inches. Controls and operating mechanisms shall be operable with one hand and
shall not require tight grasping, pinching, or twisting of the wrist.
Subpart G-Over-the-Road Buses and Systems
§1192.151 General.
(a) New, used and remanufactured over-the-road buses, to be considered
accessible by regulations issued by the Department of Transportation in 49 CFR
part 37, shall comply with this subpart.
(b) Over-the-road buses covered by 49 CFR 37.7(c) shall comply with §1192.23
and this subpart.
§1192.153 Doors, steps and thresholds.
(a) Floor surfaces on aisles, step treads and areas where wheelchair and
mobility aid users are to be accommodated shall be slip-resistant.
(b) All step edges shall have a band of color(s) running the full width of
the step which contrasts from the step tread and riser, either dark-on-light or
light-on-dark.
(c) (1) Doors shall have a minimum clear width when open of 30 inches (760
mm), measured from the lowest step to a height of at least 48 inches (1220 mm),
from which point they may taper to a minimum width of 18 inches (457 mm). The
clear width may be reduced by a maximum of 4 inches (100 mm) by protrusions of
hinges or other operating mechanisms.
(2) Exception. Where compliance with the door width requirement of
paragraph (c)(1) of this section is not feasible, the minimum door width shall
be 27 in (685 mm).
(d) The overhead clearance between the top of the lift door opening and the
sill shall be the maximum practicable but not less than 65 inches (1651 mm).
§1192.155 Interior circulation, handrails and
stanchions.
(a) Handrails and stanchions shall be provided in the entrance to the vehicle
in a configuration which allows passengers to grasp such assists from outside
the vehicle while starting to board, and to continue using such handrails or
stanchions throughout the boarding process. Handrails shall have a
cross-sectional diameter between 11/4 inches and 11/2 inches or shall provide an
equivalent grasping surface, and have eased edges with corner radii of not less
than 1/8 inch. Handrails shall be placed to provide a minimum 1-1/2 inches
knuckle clearance from the nearest adjacent surface. Where on-board fare
collection devices are used, a horizontal passenger assist shall be located
between boarding passengers and the fare collection device and shall prevent
passengers from sustaining injuries on the fare collection device or windshield
in the event of a sudden deceleration. Without restricting the vestibule space,
the assist shall provide support for a boarding passenger from the door through
the boarding procedure. Passengers shall be able to lean against the assist for
security while paying fares.
(b) Where provided within passenger compartments, handrails or stanchions
shall be sufficient to permit safe on-board circulation, seating and standing
assistance, and alighting by persons with disabilities.
§1192.157 Lighting.
(a) Any stepwell or doorway immediately adjacent to the driver shall have,
when the door is open, at least 2 foot-candles of illumination measured on the
step tread.
(b) The vehicle doorway shall have outside light(s) which, when the door is
open, provide at least 1 foot-candle of illumination on the pathway to the door
for a distance of 3 feet (915 mm) to the bottom step tread or lift outer edge.
Such light(s) shall be shielded to protect the eyes of entering and exiting
passengers.
§1192.159 Mobility aid accessibility.
(a)(1) General. All vehicles covered by this subpart shall provide a
level-change mechanism or boarding device (e.g., lift or ramp) complying with
paragraph (b) or (c) of this section and sufficient clearances to permit a
wheelchair or other mobility aid user to reach a securement location. At least
two securement locations and devices, complying with paragraph (d) of this
section, shall be provided.
(2) Exception. If portable or station-based lifts, ramps or bridge
plates meeting the applicable requirements of this section are provided at
stations or other stops required to be accessible under regulations issued by
the Department of Transportation, the bus is not required to be equipped with a
vehicle-borne device.
(b) Vehicle lift - (1) Design load. The design load of the lift
shall be at least 600 pounds (2665 N). Working parts, such as cables, pulleys,
and shafts, which can be expected to wear, and upon which the lift depends for
support of the load, shall have a safety factor of at least six, based on the
ultimate strength of the material. Nonworking parts, such as platform, frame and
attachment hardware which would not be expected to wear, shall have a safety
factor of at least three, based on the ultimate strength of the material.
(2) Controls - (i) Requirements. The controls shall be
interlocked with the vehicle brakes, transmission, or door, or shall provide
other appropriate mechanisms or systems, to ensure that the vehicle cannot be
moved when the lift is not stowed and so the lift cannot be deployed unless the
interlocks or systems are engaged. The lift shall deploy to all levels (i.e.,
ground, curb, and intermediate positions) normally encountered in the operating
environment. Where provided, each control for deploying, lowering, raising, and
stowing the lift and lowering the roll-off barrier shall be of a momentary
contact type requiring continuous manual pressure by the operator and shall not
allow improper lift sequencing when the lift platform is occupied. The controls
shall allow reversal of the lift operation sequence, such as raising or lowering
a platform that is part way down, without allowing an occupied platform to fold
or retract into the stowed position.
(ii) Exception. Where the lift is designed to deploy with its long
dimension parallel to the vehicle axis and which pivots into or out of the
vehicle while occupied (i.e., "rotary lift"), the requirements of this paragraph
(b) (2) prohibiting the lift from being stowed while occupied shall not apply if
the stowed position is within the passenger compartment and the lift is intended
to be stowed while occupied.
(3) Emergency operation. The lift shall incorporate an emergency
method of deploying, lowering to ground level with a lift occupant, and raising
and stowing the empty lift if the power to the lift fails. No emergency method,
manual or otherwise, shall be capable of being operated in a manner that could
be hazardous to the lift occupant or to the operator when operated according to
manufacturer's instructions, and shall not permit the platform to be stowed or
folded when occupied, unless the lift is a rotary lift and is intended to be
stowed while occupied.
(4) Power or equipment failure. Platforms stowed in a vertical
position, and deployed platforms when occupied, shall have provisions to prevent
their deploying, falling, or folding any faster than 12 inches/second (305
mm/sec) or their dropping of an occupant in the event of a single failure of any
load carrying component.
(5) Platform barriers. The lift platform shall be equipped with
barriers to prevent any of the wheels of a wheelchair or mobility aid from
rolling off the platform during its operation. A movable barrier or inherent
design feature shall prevent a wheelchair or mobility aid from rolling off the
edge closest to the vehicle until the platform is in its fully raised position.
Each side of the lift platform which extends beyond the vehicle in its raised
position shall have a barrier a minimum 1½ inches (13 mm) high. Such barriers
shall not interfere with maneuvering into or out of the aisle. The loading-edge
barrier (outer barrier) which functions as a loading ramp when the lift is at
ground level, shall be sufficient when raised or closed, or a supplementary
system shall be provided, to prevent a power wheelchair or mobility aid from
riding over or defeating it. The outer barrier of the lift shall automatically
raise or close, or a supplementary system shall automatically engage, and remain
raised, closed, or engaged at all times that the platform is more than 3 inches
(75 mm) above the roadway or sidewalk and the platform is occupied.
Alternatively, a barrier or system may be raised, lowered, opened, closed,
engaged, or disengaged by the lift operator, provided an interlock or inherent
design feature prevents the lift from rising unless the barrier is raised or
closed or the supplementary system is engaged.
(6) Platform surface. The platform surface shall be free of any
protrusions of ¼ inch (6.5 mm) high and shall be slip resistant. The platform
shall have a minimum clear width of 28½ inches (725 mm) at the platform, a
minimum clear width of 30 inches (760 mm) measured from 2 inches (50 mm) above
the platform surface to 30 inches (760 mm) above the platform, and a minimum
clear length of 48 inches (1220 mm) measured from 2 inches (50 mm) above the
surface of the platform to 30 inches (760 mm) above the surface of the platform.
(See Figure
1)
(7) Platform gaps. Any openings between the platform surface and the
raised barriers shall not exceed 5/8 inch (16 mm) in width. When the platform is
at vehicle floor height with the inner barrier (if applicable) down or
retracted, gaps between the forward lift platform edge and the vehicle floor
shall not exceed ½ inch (13 mm) horizontally and 5/8 inch (16 mm) vertically.
Platforms on semi-automatic lifts may have a hand hold not exceeding 1½ inches
(28 mm) by 4½ inches (113 mm) located between the edge barriers.
(8) Platform entrance ramp. The entrance ramp, or loading-edge barrier
used as a ramp, shall not exceed a slope of 1:8, measured on level ground, for a
maximum rise of 3 inches (75 mm), and the transition from roadway or sidewalk to
ramp may be vertical without edge treatment up to ¼ inch (6.5 mm) . Thresholds
between ¼ inch (6.5 mm) and ½ inch (13 mm) high shall be beveled with a slope no
greater than 1:2.
(9) Platform deflection. The lift platform (not including the entrance
ramp) shall not deflect more than 3 degrees (exclusive of vehicle roll or pitch)
in any direction between its unloaded position and its position when loaded with
600 pounds (2665 N) applied through a 26 inch (660 mm) by 26 inch test pallet at
the centroid of the platform.
(10) Platform movement. No part of the platform shall move at a rate
exceeding 6 inches/second (150 mm/sec) during lowering and lifting an occupant,
and shall not exceed 12 inches/second (300 mm/sec) during deploying or stowing.
This requirement does not apply to the deployment or stowage cycles of lifts
that are manually deployed or stowed. The maximum platform horizontal and
vertical acceleration when occupied shall be 0.3g.
(11) Boarding direction. The lift shall permit both inboard and
outboard facing of wheelchair and mobility aid users.
(12) Use by standees. Lifts shall accommodate persons using walkers,
crutches, canes or braces or who otherwise have difficulty using steps. The
platform may be marked to indicate a preferred standing position.
(13) Handrails. Platforms on lifts shall be equipped with handrails on
two sides, which move in tandem with the lift, and which shall be graspable and
provide support to standees throughout the entire lift operation. Handrails
shall have a usable component at least 8 inches (200 mm) long with the lowest
portion a minimum 30 inches (760 mm) above the platform and the highest portion
a maximum 38 inches (965 mm) above the platform. The handrails shall be capable
of withstanding a force of 100 pounds (445 N) concentrated at any point on the
handrail without permanent deformation of the rail or its supporting structure.
The handrail shall have a cross-sectional diameter between 1¼ inches (32 mm) and
1½ inches (38 mm) or shall provide an equivalent grasping surface, and have
eased edges with corner radii of not less than 1/8 inch (3.5 mm). Handrails
shall be placed to provide a minimum 1½ inches (38 mm) knuckle clearance from
the nearest adjacent surface. Handrails shall not interfere with wheelchair or
mobility aid maneuverability when entering or leaving the vehicle.
(c) Vehicle ramp - (1) Design load. Ramps 30 inches (760 mm) or
longer shall support a load of 600 pounds (2665 N), placed at the centroid of
the ramp distributed over an area of 26 inches by 26 inches (660 mm by 660 mm),
with a safety factor of at least 3 based on the ultimate strength of the
material. Ramps shorter than 30 inches (760 mm) shall support a load of 300
pounds (1332 N).
(2) Ramp surface. The ramp surface shall be continuous and slip
resistant; shall not have protrusions from the surface greater than ¼ inch (6.5
mm) high; shall have a clear width of 30 inches (760 mm); and shall accommodate
both four-wheel and three-wheel mobility aids.
(3) Ramp threshold. The transition from roadway or sidewalk and the
transition from vehicle floor to the ramp may be vertical without edge treatment
up to ¼ inch (6.5 mm). Changes in level between ¼ inch (6.5 mm) and ½ inch (13
mm) shall be beveled with a slope no greater than 1:2.
(4) Ramp barriers. Each side of the ramp shall have barriers at least
2 inches (50 mm) high to prevent mobility aid wheels from slipping off.
(5) Slope. Ramps shall have the least slope practicable and shall not
exceed 1:4 when deployed to ground level. If the height of the vehicle floor
from which the ramp is deployed is 3 inches (75 mm) or less above a 6 inch (150
mm) curb, a maximum slope of 1:4 is permitted; if the height of the vehicle
floor from which the ramp is deployed is 6 inches (150 mm) or less, but greater
than 3 inches (75 mm), above a 6 inch (150 mm) curb, a maximum slope of 1:6 is
permitted; if the height of the vehicle floor from which the ramp is deployed is
9 inches (225 mm) or less, but greater than 6 inches (150 mm), above a 6 inch
curb, a maximum slope of 1:8 is permitted; if the height of the vehicle floor
from which the ramp is deployed is greater than 9 inches (225 mm) above a 6 inch
(150 mm) curb, a slope of 1:12 shall be achieved. Folding or telescoping ramps
are permitted provided they meet all structural requirements of this
section.
(6) Attachment. When in use for boarding or alighting, the ramp shall
be firmly attached to the vehicle so that it is not subject to displacement when
loading or unloading a heavy power mobility aid and that no gap between vehicle
and ramp exceeds 5/8 inch (16 mm).
(7) Stowage. A compartment, securement system, or other appropriate
method shall be provided to ensure that stowed ramps, including portable ramps
stowed in the passenger area, do not impinge on a passenger's wheelchair or
mobility aid or pose any hazard to passengers in the event of a sudden stop or
maneuver.
(8) Handrails. If provided, handrails shall allow persons with
disabilities to grasp them from outside the vehicle while starting to board, and
to continue to use them throughout the boarding process, and shall have the top
between 30 inches (760 mm) above the ramp surface. The handrails shall be
capable of withstanding a force of 100 pounds (445 N) concentrated at any point
on the handrail without permanent deformation of the rail or its supporting
structure. The handrail shall have a cross-sectional diameter between 1¼ inches
(32 mm) and 1½ inches (38 mm) or shall provide an equivalent grasping surface,
and have eased edges with corner radii of not less than 1/8 inch (3.5 mm).
Handrails shall not interfere with wheelchair or mobility aid maneuverability
when entering or leaving the vehicle.
(d) Securement devices - (1) Design load. Securement systems,
and their attachments to vehicles, shall restrain a force in the forward
longitudinal direction of up to 2,000 pounds (8,880 N) per securement leg or
clamping mechanism and a minimum of 4,000 pounds (17,760 N) for each mobility
aid.
(2) Location and size. The securement system shall be placed as near
to the accessible entrance as practicable and shall have a clear floor area of
30 inches (760 mm) by 48 inches (1220 mm). Such space shall adjoin, and may
overlap, an access path. Not more than 6 inches (150 mm) of the required clear
floor space may be accommodated for footrests under another seat, modesty panel,
or other fixed element provided there is a minimum of 9 inches (230 mm) from the
floor to the lowest part of the seat overhanging the space. Securement areas may
have fold-down seats to accommodate other passengers when a wheelchair or
mobility aid is not occupying the area, provided the seats, when folded up, do
not obstruct the clear floor space required. (See Figure
2)
(3) Mobility aids accommodated. The securement system shall secure
common wheelchairs and mobility aids and shall either be automatic or easily
attached by a person familiar with the system and mobility aid and having
average dexterity.
(4) Orientation. At least one securement device or system required by
paragraph (a) of this section shall secure the wheelchair or mobility aid facing
toward the front of the vehicle. Additional securement devices or systems shall
secure the wheelchair or mobility aid facing forward or rearward. Where the
wheelchair or mobility aid is secured facing the rear of the vehicle, a padded
barrier shall be provided. The padded barrier shall extend from a height of 38
inches (965 mm) from the vehicle floor to a height of 56 inches (1420 mm) from
the vehicle floor with a width of 18 inches (455 mm), laterally centered
immediately in back of the seated individual. Such barriers need not be solid
provided equivalent protection is afforded.
(5) Movement. When the wheelchair or mobility aid is secured in
accordance with manufacturer's instructions, the securement system shall limit
the movement of an occupied wheelchair or mobility aid to no more than 2 inches
(50 mm) in any direction under normal vehicle operating conditions.
(6) Stowage. When not being used for securement, or when the
securement area can be used by standees, the securement system shall not
interfere with passenger movement, shall not present any hazardous condition,
shall be reasonably protected from vandalism, and shall be readily accessed when
needed for use.
(7) Seat belt and shoulder harness. For each wheelchair or mobility
aid securement device provided, a passenger seat belt and shoulder harness,
complying with all applicable provisions of the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety
Standards (49 CFR part 571), shall also be provided for use by wheelchair or
mobility aid users. Such seat belts and shoulder harnesses shall not be used in
lieu of a device which secures the wheelchair or mobility aid itself.
§1192.161 Moveable aisle armrests.
A minimum of 50% of aisle seats, including all moveable or removable seats at
wheelchair or mobility aide securement locations, shall have an armrest on the
aisle side which can be raised, removed, or retracted to permit easy entry or
exit.
Subpart H-Other Vehicles and Systems
§1192.171 General.
(a) New, used and remanufactured vehicles and conveyances for systems not
covered by other subparts of this part, to be considered accessible by
regulations issued by the Department of Transportation in 49 CFR part 37, shall
comply with this subpart.
(b) If portions of the vehicle or conveyance are modified in a way that
affects or could affect accessibility, each such portion shall comply, to the
extent practicable, with the applicable provisions of this subpart. This
provision does not require that inaccessible vehicles be retrofitted with lifts,
ramps or other boarding devices.
(c) Requirements for vehicles and systems not covered by this part shall be
determined on a case-by-case basis by the Department of Transportation in
consultation with the U. S. Architectural and Transportation Barriers Compliance
Board (Access Board)
§1192.173 Automated guideway transit vehicles and
systems.
(a) Automated Guideway Transit (AGT) vehicles and systems, sometimes called
"people movers", operated in airports and other areas where AGT vehicles travel
at slow speed, shall comply with the provisions of §§1192.53(a) through (c);,
and 1192.55 through 1192.61 for rapid rail vehicles and systems.
(b) Where the vehicle covered by paragraph (a) of this section will operate
in an accessible station, the design of vehicles shall be coordinated with the
boarding platform design such that the horizontal gap between a vehicle door at
rest and the platform shall be no greater than 1 inch and the height of the
vehicle floor shall be within plus or minus ½ inch of the platform height under
all normal passenger load conditions. Vertical alignment may be accomplished by
vehicle air suspension or other suitable means of meeting the requirement.
(c) In stations where open platforms are not protected by platform screens, a
suitable device or system shall be provided to prevent, deter or warn
individuals from stepping off the platform between cars. Acceptable devices
include, but are not limited to, pantograph gates, chains, motion detectors or
other appropriate devices.
(d) Light rail and rapid rail AGT vehicles and systems shall comply with
subparts D and C of this part, respectively.
§1192.175 High-speed rail cars, monorails and
systems.
(a) All cars for high-speed rail systems, including but not limited to those
using "maglev" or high speed steel-wheel-on-steel-rail technology, and monorail
systems operating primarily on dedicated rail (i.e., not used by freight trains)
or guideway, in which stations are constructed in accordance with subpart C of
49 CFR part 37, shall be designed for high-platform, level boarding and shall
comply with §1192.111(a) for each type of car which is similar to intercity
rail, §§1192.111(d), 1192.113(a) through (c); and (e), 1192.115(a) and (b),
1192.117(a) and (b), 1192.121 through 1192.123, 1192.125(d), and 1192.127 (if
applicable). The design of cars shall be coordinated with the boarding platform
design such that the horizontal gap between a car door at rest and the platform
shall be no greater than 3 inches and the height of the car floor shall be
within plus or minus 5/8 inch of the platform height under all normal passenger
load conditions. Vertical alignment may be accomplished by car air suspension or
other suitable means of meeting the requirement. All doorways shall have, when
the door is open, at least 2 footcandles of illumination measured on the door
threshold.
(b) All other high-speed rail cars shall comply with the similar provisions
of subpart F of this part.
§1192.177 Ferries, excursion boats and other vessels.
[Reserved]
§1192.179 Trams, similar vehicles and systems.
(a) New and used trams consisting of a tractor unit, with or without
passenger accommodations, and one or more passenger trailer units, including but
not limited to vehicles providing shuttle service to remote parking areas,
between hotels and other public accommodations, and between and within amusement
parks and other recreation areas, shall comply with this section. For purposes
of determining applicability of 49 CFR 37.101, 37.103, or 37.105, the capacity
of such a vehicle or "train" shall consist of the total combined seating
capacity of all units, plus the driver, prior to any modification for
accessibility.
(b) Each tractor unit which accommodates passengers and each trailer unit
shall comply with §§1192.25 and 1192.29. In addition, each such unit shall
comply with §§1192.23(b) or (c); and shall provide at least one space for
wheelchair or mobility aid users complying with §1192.23(d) unless the complete
operating unit consisting of tractor and one or more trailers can already
accommodate at least two wheelchair or mobility aid users.
Appendix to Part 1192 -- Advisory Guidance
This appendix contains materials of an advisory nature and provides
additional information that should help the reader to understand the minimum
requirements of the guidelines or to design vehicles for greater accessibility.
Each entry is applicable to all subparts of this part except where noted.
Nothing in this appendix shall in any way obviate any obligation to comply with
the requirements of the guidelines themselves.
I. Slip Resistant Surfaces-Aisles, steps, floor areas where people walk,
floor areas in securement locations, lift platforms, ramps.
Slip resistance is based on the frictional force necessary to keep a shoe
heel or crutch tip from slipping on a walking surface under conditions likely to
be found on the surface. While the dynamic coefficient of friction during
walking varies in a complex and non-uniform way, the static coefficient of
friction, which can be measured in several ways, provides a close approximation
of the slip resistance of a surface. Contrary to popular belief, some slippage
is necessary to walking, especially for persons with restricted gaits; a truly
"non-slip" surface could not be negotiated.
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration recommends that walking
surfaces have a static coefficient of friction of 0.5. A research project
sponsored by the Architectural and Transportation Barriers Compliance Board
(Access Board) conducted tests with persons with disabilities and concluded that
a higher coefficient of friction was needed by such persons. A static
coefficient of friction of 0.6 is recommended for steps, floors, and lift
platforms and 0.8 for ramps.
The coefficient of friction varies considerably due to the presence of
contaminants, water, floor finishes, and other factors not under the control of
transit providers and may be difficult to measure. Nevertheless, many common
materials suitable for flo oring are now labeled with information on the static
coefficient of friction. While it may not be possible to compare one product
directly with another, or to guarantee a constant measure, transit operators or
vehicle designers and manufacturers are encouraged to specify materials with
appropriate values. As more products include information on slip resistance,
improved uniformity in measurement and specification is likely. The Access
Board's advisory guidelines on Slip Resistant Surfaces provides additional
information on this subject.
II. Color Contrast-Step edges, lift platform edges.
The material used to provide contrast should contrast by at least 70%.
Contrast in percent is determined by:
Contrast = [(B1 - B2)/B1] x 100
where B1 = light reflectance value (LRV) of the lighter area
and B2 = light reflectance value (LRV) of the darker area.
Note that in any application both white and black are never absolute; thus,
B1 never equals 100 and B2 is always greater than 0.
III. Handrails and Stanchions.
In addition to the requirements for handrails and stanchions for rapid,
light, and commuter rail vehicles, consideration should be given to the
proximity of handrails or stanchions to the area in which wheelchair or mobility
aid users may position themselves. When identifying the clear floor space where
a wheelchair or mobility aid user can be accommodated, it is suggested that at
least one such area be adjacent or in close proximity to a handrail or
stanchion. Of course, such a handrail or stanchion cannot encroach upon the
required 32 inch width required for the doorway or the route leading to the
clear floor space which must be at least 30 by 48 inches in size.
IV. Priority Seating Signs and Other Signage.
A. Finish and Contrast. The characters and background of signs should
be eggshell, matte, or other non-glare finish. An eggshell finish (11 to 19
degree gloss on 60 degree glossimeter) is recommended. Characters and symbols
should contrast with their background-either light characters on a dark
background or dark characters on a light background. Research indicates that
signs are more legible for persons with low vision when characters contrast with
their background by at least 70 percent. Contrast in percent is determined by:
Contrast = [(B1 - B2)/B1] x 100
where B1 = light reflectance value (LRV) of the lighter area
and B2 = light reflectance value (LRV) of the darker area.
Note that in any application both white and black are never absolute; thus,
B1 never equals 100 and B2 is always greater than 0.
The greatest readability is usually achieved through the use of lightcolored
characters or symbols on a dark background.
B. Destination and Route Signs. The following specifications, which
are required for buses (§1192.39), are recommended for other types of vehicles,
particularly light rail vehicles, where appropriate.
1. Where destination or route information is displayed on the exterior of a
vehicle, each vehicle should have illuminated signs on the front and boarding
side of the vehicle.
2. Characters on signs covered by paragraph IV.B.1 of this appendix should
have a width-to-height ratio between 3:5 and 1:1 and a stroke width-to-height
ratio between 1:5 and 1:10, with a minimum character height (using an upper
case "X") of 1 inch for signs on the boarding side and a minimum character
height of 2 inches for front "headsigns", with "wide" spacing (generally, the
space between letters shall be 1/16 the height of upper case letters), and
should contrast with the background, either dark-on-light or light-on-dark, or
as recommended above.
C. Designation of Accessible Vehicles. The International Symbol of
Accessibility should be displayed as shown in Figure
6.
V. Public Information Systems.
There is currently no requirement that vehicles be equipped with an
information system which is capable of providing the same or equivalent
information to persons with hearing loss. Entities are encouraged to employ
whatever services, signage or alternative systems or devices that provide
equivalent access and are available. Two possible types of devices are visual
display systems and listening systems. However, it should be noted that while
visual display systems accommodate persons who are deaf or are hearing impaired,
assistive listening systems aid only those with a partial loss of hearing.
A. Visual Display Systems. Announcements may be provided in a visual
format by the use of electronic message boards or video monitors.
Electronic message boards using a light emitting diode (LED) or "flip-dot"
display are currently provided in some transit stations and terminals and may be
usable in vehicles. These devices may be used to provide real time or
pre-programmed messages; however, real time message displays require the
availability of an employee for keyboard entry of the information to be
announced.
Video monitor systems, such as visual paging systems provided in some
airports (e.g., Baltimore-Washington International Airport), are another
alternative. The Architectural and Transportation Barriers Compliance Board
(Access Board) can provide technical assistance and information on these systems
("Airport TDD Access: Two Case Studies," (1990)).
B. Assistive Listening Systems. Assistive listening systems (ALS) are
intended to augment standard public address and audio systems by providing
signals which can be received directly by persons with special receivers or
their own hearing aids and which eliminate or filter background noise. Magnetic
induction loops, infra-red and radio frequency systems are types of listening
systems which are appropriate for various applications.
An assistive listening system appropriate for transit vehicles, where a group
of persons or where the specific individuals are not known in advance, may be
different from the system appropriate for a particular individual provided as an
auxiliary aid or as part of a reasonable accommodation. The appropriate device
for an individual is the type that individual can use, whereas the appropriate
system for a station or vehicle will necessarily be geared toward the "average"
or aggregate needs of various individuals. Earphone jacks with variable volume
controls can benefit only people who have slight hearing loss and do not help
people who use hearing aids. At the present time, magnetic induction loops are
the most feasible type of listening system for people who use hearing aids
equipped with "T-coils", but people without hearing aids or those with hearing
aids not equipped with inductive pick-ups cannot use them without special
receivers. Radio frequency systems can be extremely effective and inexpensive.
People without hearing aids can use them, but people with hearing aids need a
special receiver to use them as they are presently designed. If hearing aids had
a jack to allow a by-pass of microphones, then radio frequency systems would be
suitable for people with and without hearing aids. Some listening systems may be
subject to interference from other equipment and feedback from hearing aids of
people who are using the systems. Such interference can be controlled by careful
engineering design that anticipates feedback sources in the surrounding area.
The Architectural and Transportation Barriers Compliance Board (Access Board)
has published a pamphlet on Assistive Listening Systems which lists
demonstration centers across the country where technical assistance can be
obtained in selecting and installing appropriate systems. The state of New York
has also adopted a detailed technical specification which may be useful.
VI. Over-the-Road Buses
A. Door Width
Achieving a 30 inch wide front door on an over-the-road bus is considered not
feasible if doing so would necessitate reduction of the bus approach angle,
relocating the front axle rearward, or increasing the bus overall length.
B. Restrooms
The following is provided to assist manufacturers and designers to create
restrooms which can be used by people with disabilities. These specifications
are derived from requirements for rail vehicles and represent compromises
between space needed for use and constraints imposed by vehicle dimensions. As a
result, some persons with disabilities cannot use a restroom which meets these
specifications and operators who do provide such restrooms should provide
passengers with disabilities sufficient advance information about design so that
those passengers can assess their ability to use them. Designers should provide
additional space beyond these minimum specifications whenever possible.
(1) If an accessible restroom is provided, it should be designed so as to
allow a person using a wheelchair or mobility aid to enter and use such restroom
as specified in paragraphs (1)(a) through (e) of section VI.B of this
appendix.
(a) The minimum clear floor area should be 35 inches (890 mm) by 60 inches
(1525 mm). Permanently installed fixtures may overlap this area a maximum of 6
inches (150 mm), if the lowest portion of the fixture is a minimum of 9 inches
(230 mm) above the floor, and may overlap a maximum of 19 inches (485 mm), if
the lowest portion of the fixture is a minimum of 29 inches (740 mm) above the
floor, provided such fixtures do not interfere with access to the water closet.
Fold-down or retractable seats or shelves may overlap the clear floor space at a
lower height provided they can be easily folded up or moved out of the way.
(b) The height of the water closet should be 17 inches (430 mm) to 19 inches
(485 mm) measured to the top of the toilet seat. Seats should not be sprung to
return to a lifted position.
(c) A grab bar at least 24 inches (610 mm) long should be mounted behind the
water closet, and a horizontal grab bar at least 40 inches (1015 mm) long should
be mounted on at least one side wall, with one end not more than 12 inches (305
mm) from the back wall, at a height between 33 inches (840 mm) and 36 inches
(915 mm) above the floor.
(d) Faucets and flush controls should be operable with one hand and should
not require tight grasping, pinching, or twisting of the wrist. The force
required to activate controls should be no greater than 5 lbs (22.2 N). Controls
for flush valves should be mounted no more than 44 inches (1120 mm) above the
floor.
(e) Doorways on the end of the enclosure, opposite the water closet, should
have a minimum clear opening width of 32 inches (815 mm). Door latches and
hardware should be operable with one hand and should not require tight grasping,
pinching, or twisting of the wrist.
(2) Accessible restrooms should be in close proximity to at least one seating
location for persons using mobility aids and should be connected to such a space
by an unobstructed path having a minimum width of 32 inches (815 mm).
C. Visibility through a Window
Care should be taken so that the lift does not obscure the vision of the
person occupying the securement position.