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How Accessible Transit Works

Client en fauteuil roulant utilisant la rampe d'accès de l'autobus

Conditions of use

When using a wheelchair, boarding and alighting are only possible at accessible stops that allow the deployment of the access ramp. 

  • Across the network, accessible stops are identified by an accessibility icon. The level of accessibility may vary depending on municipal infrastructure. 
  • On the website, accessible stops are also marked with an accessibility icon. 

Please note: The level of stop accessibility may vary based on municipal infrastructure, which is beyond our control.

Accessible route

Indicates that this route is served only by vehicles equipped with an access ramp (unless in exceptional circumstances). 

An access ramp can only be used at stops marked with the accessibility symbol, whether boarding or alighting. 

A route marked with the accessibility symbol does not mean that all its stops are accessible. Be sure to check which accessible stops are closest to your origin and destination to use the ramp. 

Accessible stop

Indicates that this stop is accessible. 

The level of accessibility may vary. 

Only stops marked with this symbol allow the deployment of an access ramp, for both boarding and alighting. 

Accessible stops can also be found on regular routes. To board or get off at these stops, the bus serving the stop must be equipped with an access ramp. Be sure to check for trips served by a vehicle displaying the accessibility symbol.

Accessible bus

Indicates that the vehicle for this next trip is equipped with an access ramp. 

If the selected stop is marked with an accessibility symbol, you will be able to board using the ramp. 

If the selected stop is not marked with an accessibility symbol, you cannot use the ramp at that stop. You must go to the nearest accessible stop for both boarding and alighting.

Lignes accessibles

The STL has identified bus routes that are served exclusively by accessible vehicles. 

An accessible route guarantees that all trips are operated by a bus equipped with an access ramp. 

However, please note that not all stops along an accessible route are necessarily accessible. Be sure to plan your trip accordingly. 

Exceptions may apply in situations beyond our control, where an accessible vehicle cannot be assigned to a trip. 

To travel on an accessible route, simply check the schedule and arrive at your stop 5 minutes before the scheduled time.

View the list of accessible routes

Accessibles routes
Route 2 East/West 
(2E-2O)
Route 39 South/North 
(39S-39N)
Route 60 East/West 
(60E-60O)
Route 16 East/West 
(16E-16O)
Route 40 East/West 
(40E-40O)
Route 63 South/North 
(63S-63N)
Route 17 South/North 
(17S-17N)
Route 43 South/North 
(43S-43N)
Route 66 East/West 
(66E-66O)
Route 20 East/West 
(20E-20O)
Route 45 South/North 
(45S-45N)
Route 70 East/West 
(70E-70O)
Route 24 East/West 
(24E-24O)
Route 46 South/North 
(46S-46N)
Route 73 East/West 
(73E-73O)
Route 31 South/North 
(31S-31N)
Route 48 East/West 
(48E-48O)
Route 251 South/North 
(251S-251N)
Route 33 South/North 
(33S-33N)
Route 50 East/West 
(50E-50O)
Route 345 South/North 
(345S-345N)

Accepted mobility aids 

For safety reasons, only wheelchairs that meet the following maximum dimensions are allowed on STL regular bus service: 

  • Maximum width: 73.66 cm (29 inches) 
  • Maximum length: 116.84 cm (46 inches) 

The access ramp will be deployed to allow safe boarding. 

Canes, walkers and strollers—whether foldable or not—are permitted on board buses. 

Guide dogs and service dogs are allowed at all times on the STL’s regular bus network. 

The Société de transport de Laval is not responsible for any damage to wheelchairs, three-wheeled scooters or four-wheeled scooters resulting from the use of boarding equipment. 

Accessible vehicles 

Most of our vehicles are equipped with a front access ramp, but not all of them. 

  • Across the network, all vehicles with an access ramp are identified by a wheelchair icon displayed on the digital sign at the front of the bus, next to the route number. 
  • On the website, you can check whether the next trip at your stop is operated by a ramp-equipped vehicle. Simply look at the real-time updated schedule: if an accessibility icon appears next to the next trip time, the vehicle is accessible. 

To make boarding and alighting easier for people with reduced mobility, the floor of accessible buses can also be lowered to reduce the height difference between the sidewalk and the vehicle. Unlike the deployment of the access ramp, this feature can be used at non-accessible stops. 

If you are unsure, you can contact the Customer Contact Centre to confirm whether your trip will be served by an accessible vehicle: 450-688-6520.

 

Using the access ramp 

For your first trip on an accessible bus, we recommend travelling with an attendant. This will help you become familiar with boarding, positioning and alighting, while having assistance if needed. 

For your safety, please follow these guidelines when boarding with a wheelchair, three-wheeled scooter or four-wheeled scooter using the access ramp.

How to proceed: 
Watch the video

To travel with confidence and get helpful tips for a smooth trip, watch our short video. 

Video
How Accessible Transit Works

Steps for a successful trip

1. Identify an accessible starting stop 

Check the stop sign: if you see a wheelchair icon, the stop is accessible. 

 

2. Find the right bus 

Check the digital sign above the windshield: if the bus is equipped with a ramp, a wheelchair icon will appear next to the route number. 

 

3. Let the driver know you want to board 

As the bus approaches, stand where the driver can clearly see you and signal if possible. 

 

4. Get ready to board and for the ramp deployment 

Keep a safe distance from the bus door to allow the driver to deploy the access ramp. 

Before boarding: engage your wheelchair’s anti-tip device. 
Caution: the ramp may have an incline of up to 10%. Proceed carefully. 

Once on board, validate your fare. 

Learn more about fares and pricing 

 

5. Position yourself in the designated area 

Move to the priority area for passengers with reduced mobility and secure your wheelchair. 
This area is easy to find and is located between the front and rear doors of the bus. 

 

6. Let the driver know you want to get off 

As your stop approaches, press the blue stop request button in advance. 
It is located on the folded section of the centre seat. 

The driver will let you off at the next accessible stop where the ramp can be deployed. 

 

7. Prepare to get off and for the ramp deployment 

Before moving toward the front door, wait until the bus has come to a complete stop. 
Before exiting, wait until the driver has fully deployed the ramp. 

Fasten your seatbelt and engage your wheelchair’s anti-tip device. 
Caution: the incline may reach up to 10%. Proceed carefully. 

For your safety, move away from the bus before it leaves. 

Accessibility during Winter

STL buses equipped with an access ramp are accessible year-round, including in winter. However, in cases of severe weather or snow accumulation, it may be difficult—or even impossible—to safely deploy the ramp at certain accessible stops. 

For more information, please contact our Customer Contact Centre at 450-688-6520