Accessible Transit

Did you know that all of our buses are 100% accessible? Thunder Bay Transit buses have a kneeling feature to lessen the step or a ramp for easy access. Lift+ buses have a ramp if you are unable to board with the stairs.

If accessibility equipment is not working, an Operator will request a new bus. If you notice that a bus feature is not working, report it to the Operator.

Not all bus stops are accessible. When a stop is not accessible, Thunder Bay Transit Operators will allow passenger with disabilities to board and disembark buses at a safe location close to the bus stop.

Courtesy seating is for passengers who will benefit from having a seat near that front of the bus including seniors, expectant mothers, adults with small children, and any other passenger who may benefit from a seat. If you are sitting in one of these seats, respect its purpose and give your seat up to someone who needs it.

In the event of an emergency, the Operator will make sure you and other passengers are safe and away from traffic at all times. If you have a disability and require assistance, advise the Operator so that appropriate assistance can be provided.

Thunder Bay Transit conventional buses can carry two mobility devices; Lift+ specialized buses can carry three mobility devices. There are size restrictions of manual wheelchairs, electric wheelchairs, and scooters that will fit on our buses. If you are considering purchasing a new device or would like to know if your device will fit, here are the size guidelines. These dimensions include all add-ons such as bumpers, wheel bars and baskets.

Remember that some devices may have a turning radius that makes it difficult to board even if the device would fit based on the size. You can call Transit to arrange an assessment and practice boarding a bus with your mobility device.

Thunder Bay Transit - no weight restriction; maximum 28"W x 48"L

Lift+ - 750 lbs combined weight of passenger and device; maximum 30"W x 48"L

Once you are boarded on the bus, it is your responsibility to lock your brakes and/or power off your device. All passengers must be secured on Lift+ buses; however it is your decision if you would like to be secured on Thunder Bay Transit. If you would like to be secured, ask the Operator as your are boarding the bus.

All Thunder Bay Transit buses have a system inside the bus that announces the next stop visually and audibly. Please do not interfere with the announcement system by having loud conversations or playing music without headphones.

All Thunder Bay Transit buses have a system that will announce the route information when the bus doors open. This helps our visually impaired passengers know what bus has arrived.

Priority seating is for passengers with a disability. These seats are located at the front of the bus. You must respect and obey the purpose of the designated seating area - if you do not have a disability, you must vacate the seat for a passenger with a disability.

A person with a disability is not required to move for another customer with a disability. Use of these seats is on a first come, first served basis.

You are not required to leave a bus to make room for a customer with a disability.

Bus Operators will not intervene to enforce the requirement. We ask that you show consideration for those whose need is greater than your own.

Service animals and guide dogs are welcome on the transit system. You are responsible for your service animal at all times. The Operator may ask you to provide proof from a health care professional stating that your service animal is needed due to your disability.

A support person can travel with you free of charge on both of our services. You have to have an ID card that shows that a support person is required. You have to complete a support person application form for Lift+ or a support person application form for Thunder Bay Transit. Bring your completed form to Transit Services.