Mobility & Paratransit

All Sun Tran buses are equipped with lifts or ramps for boarding ease.

Buses “kneel” to make boarding more convenient.

Each bus can carry a minimum of two personal mobility devices.

Sun Tran buses have annunciators that announce major bus stops, cross streets and transfer locations.

The U.S. Department of Transportation Regulations 49 CFR Parts 37 and 38 governs “Transportation Services for Individuals with Disabilities” and “ADA Specifications for Transportation Vehicles”.

What is a “wheelchair”?

As defined by the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) Regulation:

“Wheelchair means a mobility aid belonging to any class of three or more wheeled devices, usable indoors, designed or modified for and used by individuals with mobility impairments, whether operated manually or powered.”

All Sun Tran vehicles are built and maintained in adherence with all USDOT regulations, and can transport all wheelchairs regardless of size or weight as long as the lift and vehicle can physically accommodate them.   

Sun Tran operates some buses with ramps and others with lifts.

Please call Sun Tran’s Customer Service Center for details at (520) 792-9222 / TDD: (520) 628-1565.

Segway®

Only Segways being used as a mobility device by individuals with disabilities are allowed on Sun Tran. Those who wish to board Sun Tran with a Segway need to meet eligibility requirements established by the City of Tucson ADA Paratransit Eligibility Office, (520) 791-5409. Individuals meeting the requirement will be issued an ID card that states, “Segway Approved.” This ID must be presented upon boarding. To safely secure a Segway, the use of at least two 15-inch securement loops is recommended, but three loops are preferred.

Plan to arrive at the bus stop at least five minutes early. Be sure you are inside the bus shelter or near the bus stop so the driver can see you.

If you require the use of the lift or ramp, please stay about eight feet away from the bus so that the lift or ramp can be lowered safely.

If you need the kneeler, please let your coach operator know.

To avoid turning around in the securement bay, you may find it easier to board by backing your device onto the lift.

Please turn off mechanized devices and lock the wheels while on the bus lift and again once you are safely secured.

If visually impaired, upon boarding we encourage you to inform the coach operator which bus stop you need.

Sun Tran requires all mobility devices to be secured using a four-point securement. The coach operator will either secure your mobility device or ensure that you have secured it properly with the minimum four securement points. The mobility device must not move more than two inches in any direction. To obtain securement straps for your mobility device, please call customer service at (520) 792-9222.

The bus is equipped with lap belts and shoulder harnesses, and your are strongly encouraged to use them. These restraints help prevent injuries. Should the driver be forced to make a sudden stop, failure to use these restraints may result in your ejection from the mobility device, causing yourself injury. If you want assistance in using these restraints, please ask the driver.

Sun Tran offers securement loops to our passengers who use personal mobility devices. The loops attach to a mobility device. The straps allow the coach operator to determine how to safely secure your wheelchair or scooter inside the bus.

Two securement points are required by Sun Tran, but three are preferred. When properly in place, the mobility device must not move more than two inches in any direction.

To receive a free packet of securement loops from Sun Tran, call (520) 792-9222.

The loops are available in 11-inch and 14-inch lengths. Please let the Customer Service Representative know what size you will need for your mobility device.

To alert the coach operator that you want to exit the bus, approximately one block before you’d like to get off, press the tape or pull the cord located near you along the windows.

When the bus comes to a stop, you may want to allow other passengers to exit first so the aisle will be free for you to maneuver.

The coach operator will release the securement straps and guide you to the door.

When you ride the bus, please keep your service animal under control so that the animal does not become injured, pose a threat to other passengers, or interfere with the safe operation of the bus.

When using the lift, there may not be room on the platform for a mobility device and your service animal at the same time. For the safety of your service animal, please have the animal board the bus first.

We also ask that you keep your service animal as far away from the aisle as possible. You may allow your service animal to lie down under a nearby seat, or on the floor between you and the side of the bus. Sun Tran reserves the right to deny boarding to any animal that poses a threat to the health and safety of other passengers.

START is a free ridership training designed to help individuals with disabilities and seniors gain greater independence by learning how to ride the bus. More information on the START program is available online or by calling (520) 206-8881.

To request any information or to receive a hailing guide, accessibility services brochure, or Braille and large print schedules and maps call: (520) 792-9222. / TDD (520) 628-1565