Improving the Transit Experience for People with Mobility Devices and Bicyclists
The Wheels on the Bus – Real Time Data project is a study that aims to enhance the transit experience for people with wheelchairs/mobility devices and bicyclists who need to bring their “wheels” on board the bus.
The Problem
VTA buses have space inside the bus to secure a wheelchair/mobility device and bicycle racks mounted on the front. When these spaces are occupied, people waiting for the bus may be denied boarding. VTA responds to these incidents on a case-by-case basis, in accordance with VTA Policy and Americans with Disabilities Act requirements. However, when people can’t board the bus, it is disruptive and inconvenient.
The Project
The project will evaluate technologies capable of collecting and sharing real-time data use for the front-mounted bike racks and interior mobility device securement areas. Additionally, the project will explore ways to make this information available to customers, for example through trip-planning apps or the VTA website.
Ideally, the study will identify feasible ways to:
- inform customers in advance if an approaching bus has room for them
- allow customers to notify VTA that they need space on the bus
- alert VTA in advance if a pass-up situation may occur so VTA can proactively address the problem
The automatically collected real-time data may also allow VTA to proactively plan ways to reduce or eliminate denied boardings and to improve conditions for customers using mobility devices and bicycles.
How to Provide Input
We have launched two online surveys to understand your experience bringing a bicycle or mobility device(s) on a bus. Your input is key to the success of the project.
- Wheels on the Bus - Survey for Riders with Disabilities
- Wheels on the Bus - Bicyclist Survey
This project was funded by US Department of Transportation through the Strengthening Mobility and Revolutionizing Transportation (SMART) Grants Program.
Project Timeline
Phase 1 Community and Stakeholder Engagement – Define the Problem
January 2024 to April 2024
Survey and Evaluation of Technologies
April 2024 to June 2024
Phase 2 Community and Stakeholder Engagement – Prototyping, Testing, and User Critique
June 2024 to October 2024
Report Development
October 2024 to December 2024
Phase 3 Community and Stakeholder Input – Review Report and Comment
December 2024
Improving the Transit Experience for People with Mobility Devices and Bicyclists
The Wheels on the Bus – Real Time Data project is a study that aims to enhance the transit experience for people with wheelchairs/mobility devices and bicyclists who need to bring their “wheels” on board the bus.
The Problem
VTA buses have space inside the bus to secure a wheelchair/mobility device and bicycle racks mounted on the front. When these spaces are occupied, people waiting for the bus may be denied boarding. VTA responds to these incidents on a case-by-case basis, in accordance with VTA Policy and Americans with Disabilities Act requirements. However, when people can’t board the bus, it is disruptive and inconvenient.
The Project
The project will evaluate technologies capable of collecting and sharing real-time data use for the front-mounted bike racks and interior mobility device securement areas. Additionally, the project will explore ways to make this information available to customers, for example through trip-planning apps or the VTA website.
Ideally, the study will identify feasible ways to:
- inform customers in advance if an approaching bus has room for them
- allow customers to notify VTA that they need space on the bus
- alert VTA in advance if a pass-up situation may occur so VTA can proactively address the problem
The automatically collected real-time data may also allow VTA to proactively plan ways to reduce or eliminate denied boardings and to improve conditions for customers using mobility devices and bicycles.
How to Provide Input
We have launched two online surveys to understand your experience bringing a bicycle or mobility device(s) on a bus. Your input is key to the success of the project.
- Wheels on the Bus - Survey for Riders with Disabilities
- Wheels on the Bus - Bicyclist Survey
This project was funded by US Department of Transportation through the Strengthening Mobility and Revolutionizing Transportation (SMART) Grants Program.
Project Timeline
Phase 1 Community and Stakeholder Engagement – Define the Problem
January 2024 to April 2024
Survey and Evaluation of Technologies
April 2024 to June 2024
Phase 2 Community and Stakeholder Engagement – Prototyping, Testing, and User Critique
June 2024 to October 2024
Report Development
October 2024 to December 2024
Phase 3 Community and Stakeholder Input – Review Report and Comment
December 2024