This paper reviews the principal research, development and demonstration projects that constitute a major long-term Canadian initiative in the area of intercity bus accessibility. These include the: Roadcruiser demonstration; Accessobus; Prevost lift installation; and Canada Coach Lines demonstration. Vehicle technology developments are traced, from the first installation of an internal elevator-type wheelchair lift in a standard 12.5 m coach in 1984, to the fully accessible 14.0 m prototype unveiled in 1990. The latter vehicle is equipped with both an integral wheelchair lift and an accessible washroom. Operational experience is presented from the demonstration of accessible service on the route linking Kitchener, Hamilton and Niagara Falls in Ontario that began in October 1989. This three-year experiment is using six lift-equipped intercity buses to provide mobility-impaired travellers with the same high frequency service as the general public. The results of two years of service are presented. The paper concludes with a description of financial incentives to improve accessibility for travellers that were announced by the federal government in October 1991. The initial reaction of the intercity bus transportation industry is discussed. (A)
Abstract