This paper deals with the special problems that are encountered by the disabled in their travels on intercity buses. For the purpose of this paper,the needs of perhaps only a small percentage of the disabled have been addressed. However, the number may be quite large. The paper addresses the needs of those individuals who are generally confined to a wheel chair, andmay require some or little assistance in boarding or alighting from an intercity bus. Once on board they may be capable of looking after themselvesand would require no assistance during the trip, which may last for several hours. Family members, friends or volunteers are often available to provide needed assistance and a wheel chair at either end of the trip. It provides the disabled a sense of an escort or companion during the trip. Somebus companies have offered to provide free travel for the companion. However, as the disabled are aware, the expense for the escort is not limited to the cost of the ticket alone. This paper examines the forces exerted ona passenger during an accident or while the vehicle negotiates a sharp curve or in circumstances of sever braking. The paper examines the forces exerted on a passenger during the travel in a vehicle. Minimum standards of geometric design are assumed to simulate adverse travel conditions that might subject the passenger to the severest forces. The paper provides justification for the requirement of seat belts for a limited number of seats in a bus. It provides even a stronger justification for requiring some rearward facing seats in the intercity buses. Both modifications can be made at a small cost.
Abstract