Curbside Boarding on a Sloped Street With a Wheelchair

I would first decide whether the temporary space can be used safely at all. The bus should be pulled as close to the curb as practicable without blocking the bike lane more than necessary, and the stop should be made squarely, not at an angle that makes the ramp unstable. Because the street slopes downhill, I would set the parking brake firmly, place the transmission in the proper park or neutral position according to the bus's procedure, and keep my foot on the service brake until the stop is secure. I would use four-way flashers to warn traffic.

A missing curb cut is not automatically disqualifying, but the ramp must land on a firm, usable surface. If the ramp would deploy into a pothole, onto a steep cross-slope, or into moving bike traffic, I would not deploy it there. I would ask dispatch to authorize the next safe stop with a curb cut, or request assistance. The delivery truck narrowing the lane increases the risk to boarding passengers, so I would not wave passengers across the bike lane without checking. The reasoning is that a convenient stop is not safe if the wheelchair user cannot board without tipping or entering traffic.

Before opening the door, I would make sure the bus is fully stopped and secure, and I would tell the standee to remain behind the standee line until the wheelchair passenger is aboard. I would deploy the ramp only when it is safe, then assist the wheelchair passenger up the ramp without rushing. Once aboard, I would lock the wheelchair brakes, position it in the securement area facing forward, and apply the four-point tiedown and lap/shoulder belt according to the bus's equipment. I would ask the passenger whether the securement is comfortable and confirm the bag is stowed so it cannot become a projectile.

The standees must stay out of the aisle and stairwell and use handholds. Because there are three standees and a wheelchair, I would check that the aisle remains clear and that no one is standing in the wheelchair securement area. I would count passengers after boarding if my route procedure requires it. The reasoning is that the wheelchair tiedown protects the passenger during braking, while keeping standees back prevents them from falling onto the wheelchair user or blocking the ramp during a hurried boarding.

Before releasing the parking brake, I would confirm the door is fully closed and the wheelchair is secured with brakes locked and belts tight. I would check that all standees are seated or behind the standee line with handholds available, the aisle is clear, and no passenger is still on the steps. I would use the mirrors to check the bike lane, the delivery truck ahead, and the left side before signaling and merging. I would also confirm the ramp is stowed and the door indicator shows closed.

Because the stop is on a downhill slope, I would release the brake only after checking for traffic and would avoid rolling backward. If a passenger is still moving, I would wait. The reasoning is that most loading-area incidents happen in the transition from stopped to moving: a door not fully latched, a wheelchair not tied down, or a standee caught off balance. The pull-away check is the last chance to catch those problems before the bus enters traffic.