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Scooters run
into trouble
with bus limit

Question: I am disabled and used to ride a scooter -- a three-wheeled model. As I understand it, TheBus will accommodate mobility aids under 48 inches in length, which is required by law. So, I purposely went out and purchased a new scooter under 48 inches to be in compliance. Much to my dismay, my scooter does not fit in some of the newer buses, especially the 800 series. I called customer service, and the woman claimed she could not do anything about it and that the bus company would not move the tie-down brackets that appear to take away valuable inches in the wheelchair/scooter area of the bus. I am distraught by her answer for I felt I was trying to comply with federal rules. I have gotten another power wheelchair that is less than 40 inches in length and have not had any problems.

Answer: The city Department of Transportation Services says it is aware of the problem on its 500 series of newer buses and hopes to have it resolved by early next year.

We checked first with the state Disability and Communication Access Board about the requirements in the Americans with Disabilities Act for accommodating vehicles like yours.

The new buses are "technically accessible" because they meet the ADA's minimum clear floor area requirement for securing wheelchairs, which is 30 inches (width) by 48 inches (length), said Kirby Shaw, spokesman for the Access Board.

"However, persons with motorized wheelchairs and scooters have complained that the securement devices (brackets) have encroached into the area, prohibiting them from being firmly secured or not secured at all," he said.

Prior to your complaint, DTS had said that its bus manufacturer would address the problem, Shaw said.

According to DTS officials, there haven't been any wheelchair and/or scooter problems with the 800 series buses, which were purchased in 2000.

However, they acknowledged that while the wheelchair tie-down area met minimum standards, "it was determined more space could be obtained by changing to a different securement system" in the 500 series.

Therefore, the city is converting all 55 of its 500-series buses to a "flush mount" securement system, similar to the system used in other buses in the fleet, and hopes to have the job completed by early next year.

"This will increase the clear space by an additional five inches," DTS officials said.

Auwe

To the jerks who recently dumped trash next to Moanalua Road town-side of Aiea Shopping Center. The recycling bin and trash cans were just a few feet away. If you want to be slobs, do it in your own yard. We don't like to see our community trashed. -- No Name

Mahalo

To city workers who were on Keahi Place on Thursday, Oct. 28. Gordon, Shiro and Sam helped me up and bandaged my bleeding elbow when I fell. May good fortune be with them always. -- Very Grateful Grandma

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