Accessible Transportation Standard Regulation

Accessible Transportation Standard Regulation, M.R. 151/2023 The Accessibility for Manitobans Act , C.C.S.M. c. A1.7 Regulation 151/2023 Registered December 15, 2023 bilingual version (HTML) Table of Contents Section PART 1 INTERPRETATION 1 Definitions PART 2 GENERAL OBLIGATIONS OF TRANSPORTATION PROVIDERS 2 Accessible measures, policies and practices 3 Accessible transportation training 4 Annual public meeting 5 Fare parity PART 3 DESIGN OF CONVENTIONAL TRANSPORTATION VEHICLES 6 Application 7 Lifting devices 8 Priority seats 9 Mobility aid spaces 10 Stop-requests 11 Signage 12 Emergency procedures 13 Stability aid devices 14 Floors and carpeted surfaces 15 Steps 16 Lighting features PART 4 OPERATION OF CONVENTIONAL TRANSPORTATION VEHICLES 17 Accessibility equipment 18 Pre-boarding announcements 19 Boarding and deboarding 20 Travelling with mobility aids and medical devices 21 Travelling with support persons 22 Travelling with service animals 23 Assistance with payment 24 Amount of fares 25 Storage of mobility aids and medical devices 26 On-board audible announcements 27 On-board visual announcements 28 Transit stops 29 Communication strategy re priority seating, mobility aid spaces and accessibility features 30 Service disruptions 31 Alternative method of accessible transportation PART 5 PARATRANSIT SERVICE 32 Paratransit services eligibility 33 No application fee 34 Temporary eligibility before a decision 35 Paratransit eligibility appeals 36 Eligibility for visitors 37 Hours of service 38 Reservations 39 Trip restrictions 40 Service delays PART 6 OPERATION OF PARATRANSIT VEHICLES 41 Accessibility equipment 42 Boarding and deboarding 43 Travelling with mobility aids and medical devices 44 Travelling with support persons 45 Travelling with service animals 46 Travelling with children 47 Travelling with companion 48 Storage of mobility aids and medical devices 49 Emergency procedures PART 7 OTHER TRANSPORTATION SERVICES 50 Accessible public school transportation 51 Accessible independent school transportation 52 Accessible vehicles for hire PART 8 MUNICIPALITIES 53 Obligations of municipalities re accessible transit stops 54 Obligations of municipalities re vehicles for hire PART 9 COMING INTO FORCE 55 Coming into force PART 1 INTERPRETATION Definitions 1(1) The following definitions apply in this regulation. "accessibility equipment" means a device, tool or vehicle function that is used to facilitate accessible transportation. (« équipement d'accessibilité ») "accessible transportation" means transportation that is free from barriers that prevent or hinder a person from using or benefiting from the transportation. (« transport accessible ») "accessible vehicle for hire" means a vehicle for hire that is free from barriers. (« véhicule avec chauffeur accessible ») "Act" means The Accessibility for Manitobans Act . («  Loi  ») "conventional transportation provider" means an organization that provides public passenger transportation services and that is operated (a) by, for or on behalf of the Government of Manitoba or a municipality; (b) under an agreement between the Government of Manitoba and a person, corporation, cooperative, partnership, limited partnership or unincorporated organization of persons; or (c) under an agreement between a municipality and a person, corporation, cooperative, partnership, limited partnership or unincorporated organization of persons. (« fournisseur de services de transport classique ») "conventional transportation services " means transportation services that (a) are provided on a transit bus or motor coach by a conventional transportation provider; and (b) occur solely within Manitoba. (« services de transport classique ») "conventional transportation vehicle" means a vehicle used to provide conventional transportation services. (« véhicule de transport classique ») "integrated accessible school transportation service" means a transportation service that allows all pupils, including pupils who are disabled by a barrier, to travel on the same vehicle. (« services de transport scolaire accessible intégré ») "mobility aid space" means space on a conventional transportation vehicle that enables a passenger to remain with their mobility aid during travel. (« espace réservé aux aides à la mobilité ») "paratransit provider" means an organization that provides public passenger transportation services for persons disabled by barriers and that is operated (a) by, for or on behalf of the Government of Manitoba or a municipality; (b) under an agreement between the Government of Manitoba and a person, corporation, cooperative, partnership, limited partnership or unincorporated organization of persons; or (c) under an agreement between a municipality and a person, corporation, cooperative, partnership, limited partnership or unincorporated organization of persons. (« fournisseur de services de transport adapté ») "paratransit services" means transportation services that are provided by a paratransit provider and that occur solely within Manitoba. (« services de transport adapté ») "paratransit vehicle" means a vehicle used to provide paratransit services. (« véhicule de transport adapté ») "priority seat" means a seat that is designated for use by a person disabled by a barrier or a person who uses a mobility aid. (« siège réservé ») "service animal" means a service animal as defined in The Human Rights Code . (« animal d'assistance ») "support person" means a person who accompanies a person disabled by a barrier to (a) support the person in obtaining, using or benefiting from a good or service; or (b) assist the person in addressing their communication, mobility, personal care or medical needs. (« personne de soutien ») " vehicle for hire" means a vehicle for hire as defined in The Local Vehicles for Hire Act . (« véhicule avec chauffeur ») "vehicle-for-hire by-law" means a vehicle-for-hire by-law as defined in The Local Vehicles for Hire Act . (« règlement sur les véhicules avec chauffeur ») 1(2) A reference to CSA Standard D435, Accessible transit buses , CSA Standard D409, Motor vehicles for the transportation of persons with physical disabilities or CSA Standard D250, School buses is a reference to the standard as amended from time to time. PART 2 GENERAL OBLIGATIONS OF TRANSPORTATION PROVIDERS Accessible measures, policies and practices 2(1) Each conventional transportation provider and paratransit provider must establish and implement measures, policies and practices respecting (a) estimating the demand for accessible transportation; (b) reducing wait times for accessible transportation; and (c) maintaining accessibility equipment and responding to accessibility equipment failures. 2(2) Each conventional transportation provider and paratransit provider must document the measures, policies and practices required under subsection (1) and make the documented policies publicly available. 2(3) Each conventional transportation provider and paratransit provider must make reasonable efforts to ensure that it provides a process for (a) receiving and responding to feedback about accessible transportation in a manner that is appropriate in the circumstances and is suitable for persons disabled by barriers; and (b) documenting its resulting actions, and making the documentation available on request. Accessible transportation training 3(1) Each conventional transportation provider and paratransit provider must ensure that accessible transportation training is provided at least once every two years to the following individuals: (a) a person who provides front line service to the public, including an employee, contractor, agent or volunteer; (b) a person who develops or implements the provider's measures, policies and practices about accessible transportation; (c) a person who purchases or procures transportation equipment for the provider. 3(2) Accessible transportation training must include the following: (a) instruction about the safe use of accessibility equipment; (b) instruction about acceptable changes to procedures in situations where temporary barriers exist or accessibility equipment fails; (c) instruction about emergency preparedness and response procedures for persons disabled by barriers; (d) a review of The Human Rights Code , the Act and this regulation. 3(3) Each conventional transportation provider and paratransit provider must ensure that (a) training is provided to a person as soon as reasonably practicable after the person is assigned the duties under subsection (1); and (b) ongoing training is provided in connection with changes to the organization's measures, policies and practices about accessible transportation. 3(4) Each conventional transportation provider and paratransit provider must create and document an accessible transportation training policy, including a summary of the content of the training and when the training is provided. Annual public meeting 4(1) Each conventional transportation provider and paratransit provider must hold at least one public meeting each year during which (a) the provider reviews its measures, policies and practices established under this regulation; and (b) members of the public, including persons disabled by barriers, have the opportunity to provide feedback on the provider's measures, policies and practices. 4(2) If a provider offers both conventional transportation services and paratransit services in the same jurisdiction, the provider must hold one public meeting for conventional transportation services and one other public meeting for paratransit services each year. 4(3) Within six months after the public meeting, the conventional transportation provider or paratransit provider must publish a written summary of any feedback received under clause (1)⁠(b) and any action that has been taken or is to be taken to respond to the feedback. Fare parity 5(1) When conventional transportation services and paratransit services are provided by different providers in the same municipality, a paratransit provider must not charge more than the highest fare charged for conventional transportation services in the municipality. 5(2) When conventional transportation services and paratransit services are offered by the same provider, the provider must ensure that there is fare parity between conventional transportation services and paratransit services. 5(3) When conventional transportation services and paratransit services are offered by the same provider, the provider must ensure that the same fare payment options are available for both transportation services. 5(4) When conventional transportation services and paratransit services are offered by the same provider, the provider must ensure that the same fare structure is applied to conventional transportation services and paratransit transportation services. 5(5) In subsection (4), "fare structure" means the fare price determined by method of payment, such as cash, tickets, passes and bulk quantity discounts, and by fare category, such as adults, seniors and students, but does not include promotional fares that a conventional transportation provider or paratransit provider may employ from time to time. PART 3 DESIGN OF CONVENTIONAL TRANSPORTATION VEHICLES Application 6(1) A conventional transportation vehicle must comply with this Part in accordance with this section. 6(2) A conventional transportation vehicle that is acquired by a conventional transportation provider on or after the day this regulation comes into force must immediately comply with this Part. 6(3) A conventional transportation vehicle that is acquired by a conventional transportation provider before the day this regulation comes into force must comply with this Part not later than January 1, 2042. 6(4) Despite subsection (3), a conventional transportation vehicle is not required to comply with a provision under this Part if (a) the conventional transportation vehicle requires a modification or retrofit to comply with the provision; and (b) making the modification or retrofit would impair the structural integrity of the vehicle. Lifting devices 7(1) A conventional transportation vehicle must be equipped with (a) a lifting device, kneeling function, ramp or portable bridge plate that conforms with CSA Standard D435, Accessible transit buses ; (b) a visual warning lamp indicator mounted near the lifting device, kneeling function, ramp or portable bridge plate; and (c) an audible warning alarm. 7(2) The visual warning lamp indicator and audible warning alarm must activate and remain active while a lifting device, kneeling function, ramp or portable bridge plate is in motion. 7(3) Despite subsection (2), activation of the visual warning lamp indicator and audible warning alarm is not required when a lifting device, kneeling function, ramp or portable bridge plate is manually operated. Priority seats 8(1) A conventional transportation vehicle must have one or more priority seats. 8(2) A priority seat must be located as close as possible to the entrance doors of the conventional transportation vehicle. 8(3) A priority seat must be clearly marked as a priority seat. 8(4) A conventional transportation vehicle must have one or more signs that indicate that passengers who are not disabled by barriers must vacate a priority seat if the seat is required by a person disabled by a barrier. 8(5) In addition to the signs required under subsection (4), a conventional transportation provider must take reasonable steps to inform passengers on a conventional transportation vehicle that passengers who are not disabled by barriers must vacate a priority seat if the seat is required by a person disabled by a barrier. Mobility aid spaces 9 A conventional transportation vehicle must have two or more mobility aid spaces that (a) conform to CSA Standard D435, Accessible transit buses ; (b) are equipped with securement devices; and (c) are located as close as possible to the entrance door of the conventional transportation vehicle. Stop-requests 10(1) A conventional transportation vehicle must be equipped with one or more accessible stop-requests. 10(2) A stop-request is accessible if it is (a) operable with one hand; (b) operable without the need to (i) grasp, (ii) pinch, or (iii) twist the wrist; (c) mounted between 380 millimetres and 1,200 millimetres above the floor; and (d) high colour-contrasted with the surface to which it is mounted. 10(3) When activated, an accessible stop-request must provide auditory and visual confirmation that the request has been made. 10(4) An accessible stop-request must be located within reach of each priority seat and mobility aid space. 10(5) In this section, "stop-request" means a button, cord or other mechanism that can be used to request that a conventional transportation vehicle be stopped at the next transit stop. Signage 11(1) A conventional transportation vehicle must display the route of the vehicle using words, pictograms or symbols on the outside of the vehicle. If the vehicle has a destination, the destination must also be displayed. 11(2) The words, pictograms or symbols used to display information must (a) be visible at the boarding point of the vehicle; (b) be consistently shaped, coloured and positioned across the same type of conventional transportation vehicle; (c) be high coloured-contrasted with its background and have the appearance of solid characters; (d) have an anti-glare surface; (e) be positioned to avoid shadows and glare; and (f) adhere to CSA Standard D435, Accessible transit buses . Emergency procedures 12 The following information must be displayed in a conventional transportation vehicle: (a) emergency preparedness and response procedures; (b) contact information to request additional information about emergency preparedness and response procedures. Stability aid devices 13(1) A conventional transportation vehicle must be equipped with a stability aid device in every location where (a) a passenger is required to pay a fare; (b) a priority seat or mobility aid space is located; and (c) an entrance or exit is located. 13(2) In addition to subsection (1), the conventional transportation vehicle must be equipped with stability aid devices to facilitate (a) boarding and deboarding the vehicle; (b) movement of passengers throughout the vehicle; (c) taking or leaving a seat; and (d) standing while the vehicle is in operation. 13(3) The stability aid device placed at an entrance or exit of the conventional transportation vehicle must be (a) accessible from ground level; and (b) mounted so that it is inside the vehicle when the doors are closed. 13(4) The stability aid device must not interfere with the ability of a person with a mobility aid or medical device to go from the entrance of the conventional transportation vehicle to a mobility aid space or priority seating. 13(5) The stability aid device must (a) be high coloured-contrasted with its background; (b) have an exterior diameter that allows a passenger to easily grasp it; (c) have a slip-resistant surface; (d) be sturdy, round and free of any sharp or rough parts; (e) be designed to prevent the catching or snagging of clothes or personal items; (f) have sufficient clearance from the surface to which it is attached; and (g) if it returns to a wall or floor, have a smooth curve. 13(6) A bracket, clamp, screw head or other fastener that is part of a stability aid device must be (a) rounded or flush with the surface of the stability aid device; and (b) free from burrs or rough edges. 13(7) In this section, "stability aid device" means a grab bar, handhold, handrail or stanchion. Floors and carpeted surfaces 14(1) A conventional transportation vehicle must have a floor that minimizes glare and is slip-resistant. 14(2) If the conventional transportation vehicle has a carpeted floor, the carpet must be securely fastened to the floor and have a low, firm and level pile or loop. Steps 15 The steps of a conventional transportation vehicle must conform with CSA Standard D435, Accessible transit buses . Lighting features 16 A conventional transportation vehicle must be equipped with lights located above or beside each passenger access door that (a) turn on and remain on when the door is opened; (b) illuminate (i) the ground surface for a distance of at least 0.9 metres perpendicular to the bottom step tread or lift-out edge, (ii) the door area, and (iii) the lifting device, ramp, portable bridge plate or step nosings; and (c) are shielded to protect the eyes of passengers who are boarding or deboarding the vehicle. PART 4 OPERATION OF CONVENTIONAL TRANSPORTATION VEHICLES Accessibility equipment 17(1) A conventional transportation provider must take reasonable steps to ensure that accessibility equipment used on a conventional transportation vehicle is working. 17(2) If the accessibility equipment of a conventional transportation vehicle is not working, the conventional transportation provider must (a) take reasonable steps to inform the public which accessibility equipment is not working; (b) take reasonable steps to accommodate a person who would otherwise use the equipment or arrange alternative transportation for the person; and (c) repair the accessibility equipment as soon as possible. Pre-boarding announcements 18 When a person boards a conventional transportation vehicle, an audible announcement must be made that indicates the route of the vehicle. Boarding and deboarding 19(1) During the boarding or deboarding process, the operator of a conventional transportation vehicle must (a) on request, take reasonable steps to assist a person disabled by a barrier with boarding or deboarding; (b) on request, deploy available accessibility equipment; (c) ensure that adequate time is provided to a person disabled by a barrier to safely board or deboard the vehicle; (d) if a person is using a wheelchair or motorized mobility aid, (i) ensure that adequate time is provided to the person to secure themselves to the vehicle, and (ii) on request, take reasonable steps to assist the person to secure themselves to the vehicle. 19(2) The conventional transportation provider must create and implement a policy about giving boarding and deboarding priority to persons disabled by barriers. The provider must make this policy publicly available. Travelling with mobility aids and medical devices 20 A conventional transportation provider must allow a person to board a conventional transportation vehicle with a mobility aid or medical device unless it would interfere with the operation of the vehicle or affect the safety of the owner or any other person. Travelling with support persons 21 A conventional transportation provider must allow a person disabled by a barrier to travel with at least one support person. Travelling with service animals 22 A conventional transportation provider must allow a person to board a conventional transportation vehicle with a service animal. Assistance with payment 23 The operator of a conventional transportation vehicle must, on request, take reasonable steps to assist a person disabled by a barrier with fare payment. Amount of fares 24 The following rules apply to the fares of a conventional transportation provider: 1. The conventional transportation provider must not charge a higher fare to a person disabled by a barrier than a fare charged to a person who is not disabled by a barrier. 2. The conventional transportation provider may charge a lesser fare to a person disabled by a barrier. 3. The conventional transportation provider must not charge a higher fare to a person travelling with a mobility aid or medical device than a fare charged to a person who is not travelling with a mobility aid or medical device. 4. The conventional transportation provider must not charge a fare to a support person who is accompanying a person disabled by a barrier. 5. The conventional transportation provider must not charge a higher fare to a person accompanied by a service animal than a fare charged to a person who is not accompanied by a service animal. Storage of mobility aids and medical devices 25(1) If a conventional transportation vehicle has storage space, the operator of the vehicle must, on request, take reasonable steps to assist a person disabled by a barrier with the following: (a) the storage of a mobility aid or medical device; (b) the removal of a mobility aid or medical device from storage. 25(2) If the conventional transportation vehicle has more than one storage space, a mobility aid or medical device must be stored in the following order of priority whenever possible: 1. The aid or device is stored within the reach of the owner of the aid or device. 2. The aid or device is stored in the passenger compartment of the conventional transportation vehicle. 3. The aid or device is stored in the baggage compartment of the conventional transportation vehicle. 25(3) The conventional transportation provider must not charge a fee for the storage of a mobility aid or medical device. On-board audible announcements 26(1) When a conventional transportation vehicle is in operation, the next transit stop of the vehicle must be audibly announced at least once between each transit stop. 26(2) The announcement must be audible throughout the entire vehicle. On-board visual announcements 27(1) When a conventional transportation vehicle is in operation, the next transit stop of the vehicle must be visible inside the vehicle. 27(2) The announcement must be visible to passengers in forward-facing and rear-facing seating positions. Transit stops 28(1) If a transit stop cannot be used by a person disabled by a barrier, the operator of a conventional transportation vehicle must (a) in consultation with the person, identify the closest available location along the route that is accessible to the person; and (b) provide an opportunity for the person to deboard the vehicle at the closest available location along the route that is accessible to the person. 28(2) If a transit stop is not accessible, including due to snow accumulation, the operator must immediately report it to the authority responsible for the transit stop. 28(3) On receiving a report under subsection (2), the authority responsible for the transit stop must take (a) reasonable steps to inform the public that the transit stop is not accessible; (b) reasonable steps to inform the public of the closest accessible transit stop; and (c) measures to make the transit stop accessible within a reasonable time period. Communication strategy re priority seating, mobility aid spaces and accessibility features 29(1) A conventional transportation provider must develop a communication strategy to inform the public about the following: (a) the purpose and use of priority seating; (b) the purpose and use of mobility aid spaces; (c) the purpose and use of accessibility equipment and other accessibility features of a conventional transportation vehicle. 29(2) Before preparing the communication strategy, the conventional transportation provider must consult with persons disabled by barriers or organizations that represent persons disabled by barriers. Service disruptions 30 If a route or scheduled service is temporarily changed and the change is known in advance of the commencement of the trip, a conventional transportation service provider must (a) ensure information on alternative transportation arrangements is available in accordance with the Accessible Information and Communication Standard Regulation , Manitoba Regulation 47/2022; and (b) if alternative transportation arrangements are not accessible, transfer persons disabled by barriers to their destination. Alternative method of accessible transportation 31(1) Except when it is not practicable to do so, a conventional transportation provider that does not provide paratransit services must provide alternative accessible transportation to a person who is unable to use conventional transportation services because of a barrier. 31(2) Subsection (1) does not apply if paratransit services are provided by a paratransit service provider in the same jurisdiction in which the conventional transportation provider provides conventional transportation services. PART 5 PARATRANSIT SERVICE Paratransit services eligibility 32(1) A paratransit provider must establish (a) a process for determining whether a person is eligible for paratransit services; and (b) assessment criteria used to determine whether an applicant is eligible for paratransit services. 32(2) The paratransit provider must (a) document the assessment criteria; and (b) make the assessment criteria publicly available. 32(3) If a paratransit provider determines that a person is not eligible for paratransit services, the provider must provide a written explanation. Information Note Under section 6 of the Accessible Information and Communication Standard Regulation , a person may request that a paratransit provider provide the assessment criteria under subsection (2) or the explanation under subsection (3) through a communication support or accessible format. 32(4) A written explanation under subsection (3) must include information about appealing the decision. No application fee 33 A paratransit provider must not charge an application or assessment fee to a person who applies for paratransit services eligibility. Temporary eligibility before a decision 34(1) If a paratransit provider does not make an eligibility decision within 14 days after a person completes the process under clause 32(1)⁠(a), the person is eligible to use paratransit services on a temporary basis until a decision is made. 34(2) The paratransit provider must set out procedures respecting the provision of paratransit services during the 14 days referred to in subsection (1) if (a) the services are required because of an emergency or on compassionate grounds; or (b) there are no other accessible transportation services to meet the person's needs. 34(3) A person must apply for services under subsection (2) in the manner determined by the paratransit provider. Paratransit eligibility appeals 35(1) A paratransit provider must establish an appeal process to review eligibility decisions. 35(2) The following individuals must not hear the appeal of an eligibility decision: (a) the person who made the eligibility decision; (b) the direct supervisor of the person who made the eligibility decision. 35(3) A person may appeal an eligibility decision only within 30 days after receiving the eligibility decision. 35(4) If the paratransit provider does not make a decision respecting the appeal within 30 days after receiving the appeal, the person is eligible for temporary use until a decision is made. 35(5) The paratransit provider must provide a written decision respecting the appeal. Information Note Under section 6 of the Accessible Information and Communication Standard Regulation , a person may request that a paratransit provider provide the decision through a communication support or accessible format. Eligibility for visitors 36(1) A paratransit provider must make paratransit services available to eligible visitors. 36(2) A visitor is eligible for paratransit services if the visitor (a) provides confirmation that they are eligible for paratransit services in the community in which they reside; or (b) applies for and is granted eligibility under the paratransit provider's eligibility process established under section 32. 36(3) The paratransit provider is not required to provide paratransit services to the visitor for more than 21 days each year. 36(4) For the purpose of this section, "visitor" means a person who does not reside in the community in which the paratransit provider operates. Hours of service 37(1) If a conventional transportation service provider offers conventional transportation services and paratransit services, the provider must offer paratransit services with a comparable or greater number of hours and days of service as the conventional transportation services. 37(2) If conventional transportation services and paratransit services are provided in a jurisdiction by different providers, the paratransit service provider must offer a comparable or greater number of hours and days of service as the conventional transportation service provider. Reservations 38 If a paratransit provider requires a person to make a reservation before using paratransit services, the provider must (a) to the extent that it is practicable, allow same-day reservations; and (b) when same-day reservations are not available, accept reservations up to three hours before the published end of the service period on the day before the intended day of travel. Trip restrictions 39 A paratransit provider must not limit the availability of paratransit services by (a) restricting the number of trips an individual may request; (b) prioritizing trips based on destination or purpose; or (c) implementing a measure, policy or practice that unreasonably limits the availability of paratransit services. Service delays 40(1) If a paratransit provider requires a person to make a reservation before using paratransit services, the provider must (a) identify a method of communication that is accessible to the person; and (b) in the event of a service delay, inform the person of the delay through that method of communication. 40(2) In clause (1)⁠(b), a "service delay" means a delay of 30 minutes or more after the time the person was scheduled to be picked up by the paratransit provider. PART 6 OPERATION OF PARATRANSIT VEHICLES Accessibility equipment 41(1) A paratransit provider must take reasonable steps to ensure that accessibility equipment used on a paratransit vehicle is working. 41(2) If the accessibility equipment of the paratransit vehicle is not working, the paratransit provider must (a) take reasonable steps to accommodate a person disabled by a barrier or arrange alternative transportation for the person; and (b) repair the accessibility equipment as soon as possible. Boarding and deboarding 42 When a person disabled by a barrier boards or deboards a paratransit vehicle, the operator of the vehicle must, on request, take reasonable steps to assist the person with boarding or deboarding. Travelling with mobility aids and medical devices 43 A paratransit provider must allow a person to board a paratransit vehicle with a mobility aid or medical device unless it would interfere with the operation of the vehicle or affect the safety of the owner or any other person. Travelling with support persons 44 A paratransit provider must allow a paratransit user to travel with at least one support person. Travelling with service animals 45 A paratransit provider must allow a person to board a paratransit vehicle with a service animal. Travelling with children 46(1) A paratransit provider must allow a paratransit user to travel with one or more children if the user provides and installs an appropriate child restraint securement system for each child that requires one. 46(2) On request, the operator of the paratransit vehicle must take reasonable steps to assist the user with installing a child restraint securement system. Travelling with companion 47 A paratransit provider must allow a paratransit user to travel with one or more companions unless another paratransit user would be denied service as a result of the companion's travel. Storage of mobility aids and medical devices 48(1) If a paratransit vehicle has storage space, the operator of the vehicle must, on request, take reasonable steps to assist a person disabled by a barrier with the following: (a) the storage of a mobility aid or medical device; (b) the removal of a mobility aid or medical device from storage. 48(2) If the paratransit vehicle has more than one storage space, a mobility aid or medical device must be stored in the following order of priority whenever possible: 1. The aid or device is stored within the reach of the owner of the aid or device. 2. The aid or device is stored in the passenger compartment of the paratransit vehicle. 3. The aid or device is stored in the baggage compartment of the paratransit vehicle. 48(3) The paratransit provider must not charge a fee for the storage of a mobility aid or medical device. Emergency procedures 49 The following information must be displayed in a paratransit vehicle: (a) emergency preparedness and response procedures; (b) contact information to request additional information about emergency preparedness and response procedures. PART 7 OTHER TRANSPORTATION SERVICES Accessible School Transportation Accessible public school transportation 50(1) This section applies to a school board as defined in The Education Administration Act that provides transportation for its pupils. 50(2) Subject to subsection (3), the school board must provide integrated accessible school transportation services. 50(3) If, in the opinion of the school board, it is not reasonable to provide integrated accessible school transportation services to a pupil disabled by a barrier because of safety concerns or because of the nature of the pupil's barrier, the school board must arrange alternative accessible transportation for the pupil. 50(4) In consultation with the parents or guardian of a pupil who requires integrated accessible school transportation services or alternative accessible transportation under subsection (3), the school board must develop a plan that (a) details the accessibility needs of the pupil; (b) details how the pupil is to board a vehicle, be secured to a vehicle and deboard a vehicle; and (c) identifies the responsibilities toward the pupil of (i) the school board, (ii) the parents or guardian of the pupil, (iii) the pupil, (iv) the vehicle operator, and (v) school staff. 50(5) For greater certainty, this section does not apply to transportation services provided (a) by independent schools as defined in The Education Administration Act ; or (b) under an agreement made between a school board and an independent school under subsection 60(1) of The Public Schools Act . Information Note The School Buses Regulation , Manitoba Regulation 465/88 R, addresses design standards of school buses operated by a school board. Accessible independent school transportation 51(1) This section applies to an independent school as defined in The Education Administration Act that provides transportation for its pupils. 51(2) Subject to subsection (3), the independent school must provide integrated accessible school transportation services. 51(3) The independent school is not required to provide integrated accessible school transportation services if doing so would result in undue hardship to the school. 51(4) In consultation with the parents or guardian of a pupil who requires integrated accessible school transportation services, the independent school must develop a plan that (a) details the accessibility needs of the pupil; (b) details how the pupil is to board a vehicle, be secured to a vehicle and deboard a vehicle; and (c) identifies the responsibilities toward the pupil of (i) the independent school, (ii) the parents or guardian of the pupil, (iii) the pupil, (iv) the vehicle operator, and (v) the staff of the independent school. 51(5) A school bus used by the independent school to provide integrated accessible school transportation services must comply with (a) the CSA Standard D250, School buses ; or (b) the CSA Standard D409, Motor vehicles for the transportation of persons with physical disabilities . 51(6) For the purpose of subsection (5), "school bus" has the same meaning as in the School Buses Regulation . Accessible Vehicles for Hire Accessible vehicles for hire 52(1) An owner or operator of a vehicle for hire that operates in a municipality that has a vehicle-for-hire by-law must not (a) charge a higher fare to a person disabled by a barrier than a fare charged to a person who is not disabled by a barrier; (b) charge a fee for the storage or transportation of a mobility aid or medical device; (c) refuse or deny service because a person is disabled by a barrier or requires reasonable assistance; and (d) refuse or deny service to a person who requires the assistance of a service animal. 52(2) As an exception to clause (1)⁠(c), the owner or operator of a vehicle for hire may refuse or deny service if the specifications of the vehicle make transportation of a person disabled by a barrier unsafe. PART 8 MUNICIPALITIES Obligations of municipalities re accessible transit stops 53(1) This section applies to a municipality if a conventional transportation provider provides conventional transportation services in the municipality. 53(2) A municipality must create a policy respecting accessible transit stops that includes the following: (a) the design requirements that are appropriate for an accessible transit stop in the municipality; (b) a plan respecting the construction of new accessible transit stops in the municipality; (c) a plan respecting the conversion of existing transit stops in the municipality into accessible transit stops; (d) a plan respecting the maintenance of accessible transit stops in the municipality, including the maintenance of accessible transit stops during the winter and during periods of construction. Obligations of municipalities re vehicles for hire 54(1) This section applies to a municipality that has a vehicle-for-hire by-law. 54(2) A municipality must consult with the public at least once every two years to identify the number of accessible vehicles for hire that are required in the municipality. 54(3) A municipality must inform the operator of a vehicle for hire of the requirements set out in the Standards for Mobility Aid Securement Devices and Occupant Restraint Systems and Related Exemptions Regulation , Manitoba Regulation 28/2019. 54(4) A municipality must include the following information in its accessibility plan prepared under section 33 of the Act: (a) the number of accessible vehicles for hire required in the municipality; (b) the number of accessible vehicles for hire that operate in the municipality; (c) if the number of accessible vehicles for hire that operate in the municipality does not meet the number of accessible vehicles for hire required in the municipality, a plan to increase the number of accessible vehicles for hire that operate in the municipality. PART 9 COMING INTO FORCE Coming into force 55 This regulation comes into force on January 1, 2027.