? about ECVs and buses

[kristenandrick]

I am trying to come to terms with using an ECV this trip. One of my biggest concerns is using the buses. I honestly don't remember seeing other people use them in the past. Maybe because I never thought I would need one? Anyway, can anyone please tell me what the procedure is?

Do you HAVE to stay on it to put it on the bus or can you just kinda lift it up or let it load up without you on it? Do you have to sit on it on the bus? Do people stare at you? Will it hold up everyone for a long period of time?

Sorry for all the questions. I am really anxious about this. I have reserved an Elite from Apple Scooter if that helps.

TIA!

 

[cranbiz]

I believe i can handle this one.

First of all do not feel bad, many guests use the bus system with ECV's.

Depending on the bus, you can chose to manually wheel the ECV on board. If the bus has a lift, then you will need to back it on to the lift and ride with it. This would be the RTS series of bus and you can tell because the bus sits higher off the ground. Ramp style buses can be loaded by riding or pushing the ECV. These are the Nova and Gillig low floor series of buses. You are expected to maneuver the ECV into the tie down location. The driver MAY assist you but is not required to assist and the driver cannot lift the ECV (although some do)

While you are not required to transfer to a seat, we request that you do if possible. Three wheel ECV's are unstable and you could get hurt if something unforeseen happens enroute to your destination. If you can transfer, please do. If you can not transfer or don't wish to, the driver will request that you wear a seatbelt. It is the drivers option not to move the bus if they feel it would be unsafe to do so. If you have a four wheel ECV you can stay on it but again, please use the seatbelt.(we still request that you transfer to a seat)

If the driver forgets to ask, please tell them which stop that you will be getting off at if there are multiple stops along the way like from a park to Riverside, CBR, CSR etc.

Most of the off site rentals have a lever to disengage the drive system to make it easier to push.

Use the wheelchair entrance at bus stops that have one or position yourself at the far end of the queue on stops that don't have a separate queue for wheelchairs. If you are at a shared bus stop, signal the driver that you wish to ride his bus as we need to load you first for safety. If the bus is full, the driver should tell you and will call for another bus, most will tell you this right away but if they don't ask them to call for another bus.

If you don't feel comfortable about loading on to a partially full bus and wish to wait for another, please tell us.

It does not take very long to load an ECV, don't feel bad about it. Don't feel bad about taking a seat.

There will always be rude guests, don't let it bother you, enjoy your trip. If the ECV helps you, then use it and don't feel guilty. You are not trying to beat the system, you are trying to enjoy your vacation.

If you do have a problem with a driver, please call for a transportation manager right away, in fact ask the driver to call one.

If there is something I missed, just ask.

See post #4 in the DisAbilities post for more info. http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=595713

 

[kristenandrick]

Thank you so much Cranbiz! This really helps. This board is a WONDERFUL resource!