(a) INTRODUCTION. Equipping buses to accommodate students with special needs is discretionary depending upon the needs of the passengers. While one bus may be fitted with a lift, another may have seat belts installed to secure child seats. Buses so equipped are not to be considered a separate class of school bus, but simply a regular school bus that is equipped for special accommodations.
The specifications in this section are intended to be supplementary to specifications in the chassis and body sections. In general, specially equipped buses shall meet all the requirements of the preceding sections plus those listed in this section. It is recognized by the entire industry that the field of special transportation is characterized by varied needs for individual cases and by a rapidly emerging technology for meeting those needs. A flexible, "common-sense" approach to the adoption and enforcement of specifications for these vehicles, therefore, is prudent.
The following standards address modifications as they pertain to school buses that, with standard seating arrangements prior to modification, would accommodate more than 10 persons (11 or more including the driver). If by addition of a power lift, mobile seating device positions or other modifications, the capacity is reduced, the intent of these standards is to have these vehicles be required to meet the same standards they would have had to meet prior to such modifications, and are included in all references to school buses and requirements for school buses which follow.
(b) DEFINITION. A specially equipped school bus is any school bus that is designed, equipped, or modified to accommodate students with special needs.
(c) GENERAL REQUIREMENTS. - (i) School buses designed for transporting students with special transportation needs shall comply with National Standards and with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards applicable to their GVWR category.
- (ii) Any school bus to be used for the transportation of children who are confined to a wheelchair or other mobile positioning device, or who require life support equipment which prohibits use of the regular service entrance, shall be equipped with a power lift, unless a ramp is needed for unusual circumstances related to passenger needs.
(d) AISLE. All school buses equipped with a power lift shall provide a 30" aisle leading from any wheelchair/mobility aid position to at least one emergency door and the lift area.
(e) COMMUNICATIONS. All school buses that are used to transport individuals with disabilities should be equipped with a two-way electronic voice communication system which can be used at any point in the vehicle's route.
(f) GLAZING. Tinted glazing may be installed in all doors, windows, and windshields consistent with federal, state, and local regulations.
(g) IDENTIFICATION. Buses with power lifts used for transporting individuals with disabilities shall display below the window line the International Symbol of Accessibility. No more than one emblem may be displayed on each side, the front or the rear of the bus. Such emblems shall be white on blue background, shall not exceed 12 inches in size, and shall be of a high-intensity reflectorized material meeting U.S. Department of Transportation's Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) FP-85 Standards.
(h) PASSENGER CAPACITY RATING. In determining the passenger capacity of a school bus for purposes other than actual passenger load (i.e., vehicle classification), any location in a school bus intended for securement of an occupied wheelchair/mobility aid during vehicle operations shall be regarded as four designated seating positions. Similarly, each lift area shall be regarded as four designated seating positions.
(i) POWER LIFTS. - (i) Power lift shall be located on the right side of the bus body when not extended.
(j) REGULAR SERVICE ENTRANCE. - (i) On power-lift equipped vehicles, step shall be the full width of the stepwell, excluding the thickness of doors in open position.
- (ii) A suitable device shall be provided to assist passengers during entry or egress. This device shall allow for easy grasping or holding and shall have no openings or pinch points that might entangle clothing, accessories or limbs.
(k) RESTRAINING DEVICES. - (i) On power-lift equipped vehicles, seat frames may be equipped with attachments or devices to which belts, restraining harnesses or other devices may be attached. Attachment framework or anchorage devices, if installed, shall conform to FMVSS 210.
- (ii) Seat belt assemblies, if installed, shall conform to FMVSS 209.
- (iii) Child restraint systems, which are used to facilitate the transportation of children who in other modes of transportation would be required to use a child, infant, or booster seat, shall conform to FMVSS 213 and 222.
(l) SEATING ARRANGEMENTS. - (i) Flexibility in seat spacing to accommodate special devices shall be permitted to meet passenger requirements. All seating shall be forward facing.
- (ii) All restraining barriers and passenger seats shall be constructed with materials that enable them to meet the criteria of the School Bus Seat Upholstery Fire Block Test.
(m) SECUREMENT AND RESTRAINT SYSTEM FOR WHEELCHAIR/MOBILITY AID AND OCCUPANT. -- For purposes of better understanding the various aspects and components of this section, the term "securement" or phrase "securement system" is used exclusively in reference to the device(s) which secure the wheelchair/mobility aid. The term "restraint" or phrase "restraint system" is used exclusively in reference to the device(s) used to restrain the occupant of the wheelchair/ mobility aid. The phrase "securement and restraint system" is used to refer to the total system that secures and restrains both the wheelchair/mobility aid and the occupant. - (i) Securement and restraint system-general
- (A) The Wheelchair/Mobility Aid Securement and Occupant Restraint System shall be designed, installed, and operated to accommodate passengers in a forward-facing orientation within the bus and shall comply with all applicable requirements of FMVSS 222. Gumey-type devices shall be secured parallel to the side of each bus.
- (B) The securement and restraint system, including the system track, floor plates, pockets, or other anchorages shall be provided by the same manufacturer, or be certified to be compatible by manufacturers of all equipment systems used.
- (C) When a wheelchair/mobility aid securement device and an occupant restraint share a common anchorage, including occupant restraint designs that attach the occupant restraint to the securement device or the wheelchair/mobility aid, the anchorage shall be capable of withstanding the loads of both the securement device and occupant restraint applied simultaneously, in accordance with FMVSS 222.
- (D) When a wheelchair/mobility aid securement device (webbing or strap assembly) is shared with an occupant restraint, the wheelchair/ mobility aid securement device (webbing or strap assembly) shall be capable of withstanding a force twice the amount as specified in section 4.4(a) of FMVSS 209. (See sections ii and iii of this section.)
- (E) The bus body floor and sidewall structures where the securement and restraint system anchorages are attached shall have equal or greater strength than the load requirements of the system(s) being installed.
- (F) The occupant restraint system shall be designed to be attached to the bus body either directly or in combination with the wheelchair/mobility aid securement system, by a method which prohibits the transfer of weight or force from the wheelchair/mobility aid to the occupant in the event of an impact.
- (G) When an occupied wheelchair/mobility aid is secured in accordance with the manufacturer's instiructions, the securement and restraint system shall limit the movement of the occupied wheelchair/mobility aid to no more than 2" in any direction under normal driving conditions.
- (H) The securement and restraint system shall incorporate an identification scheme that will allow for the easy identification of the various components and their functions. It shall consist of one of the following, or combination thereof:
- (I) The wheelchair/mobility aid securement (webbing or strap assemblies) and the occupant restraint belt assemblies shall be of contrasting color or color shade.
- (II) The wheelchair/mobility aid securement device (webbing or strap assemblies) and occupant restraint belt assemblies shall be clearly marked to indicate the proper wheelchair orientation in the vehicle, and the name and location for each device or belt assembly, i.e., front, rear, lap belt, shoulder belt, etc.
- (I) All attachment or coupling devices designed to be connected or disconnected frequently shall be accessible and operable without the use of tools or other mechanical assistance.
- (J) All securement and restraint system hardware and components shall be free of sharp or jagged areas and shall be of a non-corrosive material or treated to resist corrosion in accordance with section 4.3(a) of FMVSS 209.
- (K) The securement and restraint system shall be located and installed such that when an occupied wheelchair/mobility aid is secured, it does not block access to the lift door.
- (L) A device for storage of the securement and restraint system shall be provided. When the system is not in use, the storage device shall allow for clean storage of the system, shall keep the system securely contained within the passenger compartment, shall provide reasonable protection from vandalism, and shall enable the system to be readily accessed for use.
- (M) The entire securement and restraint system, including the storage device, shall meet the flammability standards established in FMVSS 302.
- (N) Each securement device (webbing or strap assembly) and restraint belt assembly shall be permanently and legibly marked or incorporate a non-removable label or tag which states that it conforms to all applicable FMVSS requirements, as well as, the current National Standards for School Buses. In addition, the system manufacturer, or an authorized representative, upon request by the original titled purchaser, shall provide a notarized Certificate of Conformance, either original or photocopied, which states that the wheelchair/mobility aid securement and occupant restraint system meets all of the requirements as specified in FMVSS 222 and the current National Standards for School Buses.
- (O) The following information shall be provided with each vehicle equipped with a securement and restraint system:
- (I) A phone number where information can be obtained about installation, repair, and parts. (Detailed written instructions and a parts list shall be available upon request).
- (II) Detailed instructions regarding use, including a diagram showing the proper placement of the wheelchair/mobility aids and positioning of securement devices and occupant restraints, including correct belt angles.
- (P) The system manufacturer shall make available training materials to ensure the proper use and maintenance of the wheelchair/mobility aid securement and occupant restraint system. These may include instructional videos, classroom curriculum, system test results, or other related materials.
- (ii) Wheelchair/mobility aid securement system
- (A) Each securement system location shall consist of a minimum of four anchorage points. A minimum of two anchorage points shall be located in front of the wheelchair/mobility aid and a minimum of two anchorage points shall be located in the rear. The securement anchorages shall be attached to the floor of the vehicle and shall not interfere with passenger movement or present any hazardous condition.
- (B) Each securement system location shall have a minimum clear floor area of 30" by 48". Additional floor area may be required for some applications, Consultation between the user and the manufacturer is recommended to ensure adequate area is provided.
- (C) The securement system shall secure common wheelchair/mobility aids and shall be able to be attached easily by a person having average dexterity and who is familiar with the system and wheelchair/mobility aid.
- (D) As installed, each securement anchorage shall be capable of withstanding a minimum force of 3,000 pounds (13,344 Newtons) when applied as specified in FMVSS 222. When more than one securement device shares a common anchorage, the anchorage shall be capable of withstanding the force indicated above, multiplied by the number of securement devices sharing that anchorage.
- (E) Each securement device, if incorporating webbing or a strap assembly, shall comply with the requirements for Type 1 safety belt systems, in accordance with sections 4.2, 4.3, and 4.4(a) of FMVSS 209.
- (F) The securement system shall secure the wheelchair/mobility aid in such a manner that the attachments or coupling hardware will not become detached when any wheelchair/mobility aid component deforms, when one or more tires deflate, and without intentional operation of a release mechanism (e.g., a spring clip on a securement hook).
- (G) Each securement device (webbing or strap assembly) shall be capable of withstanding a minimum force of 2,500 pounds when tested in accordance with FMVSS 209.
- (H) Each securement device (webbing or strap assembly) shall provide a means of adjustment, of manufacturer's design, to remove slack from the device or assembly.
- (iii) Occupant restraint system
- (A) A Type 2A occupant restraint system that meets all applicable requirements of FMVSSs 209 and 210 shall provide for restraint of the occupant.
- (B) The occupant restraint system shall be made of materials that do not stain, soil, or tear an occupant's clothing, and which are resistant to water damage and fraying.
- (C) Each restraint system location shall have not less than one anchorage, of manufacturer's design, for the upper end of the upper torso restraint.
- (I) The anchorage for each occupant's upper torso restraint shall be capable of withstanding a minimum force of 1,500 pounds (6,672 Newtons) when applied as specified in FMVSS 222,
- (D) Each wheelchair/mobility aid location shall have not less than two floor anchorage for the occupant pelvic and the connected upper torso restraint.
- (I) Each floor anchorage shall be capable of withstanding a minimum force of 3,000 pounds (13,344 Newtons) when applied as specified in FMVSS 222.
- (II) When more than one occupant restraint share a common anchorage, the anchorage shall be capable of withstanding a minimum force of 3,000 pounds (13,344 Newtons) multiplied by the number of occupant restraints sharing the common anchorage in accordance with FMVSS 222.
- (E) Each floor and wall anchorage which secures the occupant restraint to the vehicle and which is not permanently attached, shall be of a "positive latch" design, and shall not allow for any accidental disconnection.
- (iv) Dynamic testing
- (A) The wheelchair/mobility aid securement and occupant restraint system shall be subjected to, and successfully pass, a dynamic sled test at a minimum impact speed/deceleration of 30 mph/20g's.
- (B) The dynamic test shall be performed by experienced personnel using an impact simulator with proven ability to provide reliable and accurate, with test results that can be replicated.
- (C) The dynamic test shall be performed in accordance with the procedures set forth in Appendix A of SAE J2249 "Test for Frontal Impact Crash Worthiness."
- (D) The wheelchair/mobility aid used for testing purposes shall be a rigid, reusable surrogate wheelchair that complies with the requirements of Appendix D of SAE J2249 "Specification for Surrogate Wheelchair."
- (E) The dynamic test shall be performed using system assemblies, components and attaching hardware that are identical to the final installation in type, configuration and positioning. The body structure at the anchorage points may be simulated for the purpose of the sled test.
- (F) When tested, the wheelchair/mobility aid securement and occupant restraint system shall pass the criteria specified in Section 6.2 of SAE J2249 "Performance Requirements of Frontal Sled Impact Test." Following is an abridged summary of the criteria.
- (I) Retain the test dummy in the test wheelchair and on the test sled with the test wheelchair in an upright position.
- (II) Not show any fragmentation or complete separation of any load carrying part.
- (III) Not allow the horizontal excursions of the test dummy and the test wheelchair to exceed specified limits.
- (IV) Prevent the test wheelchair from imposing forward loads on the test dummy.
- (V) Allow removal of the test dummy and the test wheelchair, subsequent to the test, without the use of tools.
(n) SPECIAL LIGHT. Doorways in which lifts are installed, shall have, when lift is to be used, at least 2 foot-candles of illumination measured on the floor of the bus immediately adjacent to the lift, and on the lift, when deployed at the vehicle floor level.
(o) SPECIAL SERVICE ENTRANCE. - (i) Power lift equipped bodies shall have a special service entrance to accommodate the power lift.
Exception: If the lift is designed to operate within the regular service entrance, and is capable of stowing such that the regular service entrance is not blocked in any way, and that persons entering or exiting the bus are not impeded in any way, a special service entrance shall not be required.
- (ii) The special service entrance and door shall be located on the right side of the bus and shall be designed so as not to obstruct the regular service entrance.
- (iii) The opening may extend below the floor through the bottom of the body skirt. If such an opening is used, reinforcements shall be installed at the front and rear of the floor opening to support the floor and give the same strength as other floor openings.
- (iv) A drip molding shall be installed above the opening to effectively divert water from entrance.
- (v) Door posts and headers from entrance shall be reinforced sufficiently to provide support and strength equivalent to the areas of the side of the bus not used for special service entrance.
(p) SPECIAL SERVICE ENTRANCE DOORS. - (i) A single door or double doors may be used for the special service entrance.
- (ii) A single door shall be hinged to the forward side of the entrance unless doing so would obstruct the regular service entrance. If, due to the above condition, the door is hinged to the rearward side of the doorway, the door shall utilize a safety mechanism which will prevent the door from swinging open should the primary door latch fail. If double doors are used the system shall be designed to prevent the door(s) from being blown open by the wind resistance created by the forward motion of the bus, and/or incorporate a safety mechanism to provide secondary protection should the primary latching mechanism(s) fail.
- (iii) All doors shall have positive fastening devices to hold doors in the open position.
- (iv) All doors shall be weather sealed.
- (v) When manually operated dual doors are provided, the rear door shall have at least a one-point fastening device to the header. The forward-mounted door shall have at least three point fastening devices. One shall be to the header, one to the floor line of the body, and the other shall be into the rear door. The door and hinge mechanism shall be of a strength that is greater than or equivalent to the emergency exit door.
- (vi) Door materials, panels and structural strength shall be equivalent to the conventional service and emergency doors. Color, rub rail extensions, lettering and other exterior features shall match adjacent sections of the body.
- (vii) Each door shall have windows set in rubber which are visually similar in size and location to adjacent non-door windows. Glazing shall be of same type and tinting (if applicable) as standard fixed glass in other body locations.
- (viii) Door(s) shall be equipped with a device that will actuate an audible or flashing signal located in the driver's compartment when door(s) is not securely closed and ignition is in "on" position.
- (vix) A switch shall be installed so that the lifting mechanism will not operate when the lift platform door(s) is closed.
- (x) Special service entrance doors shall be equipped with padding at the top edge of the door opening. Padding shall be at least 3" wide and 1" thick and extend the full width of the door opening.
- (xi) Thermo glass is not required in this door regardless of the door's location.
(q) SUPPORT EQUIPMENT AND ACCESSORIES. Each bus which is set up to accommodate wheelchair/mobility aids or other assistive or restraint devices which utilize belts, shall contain at least one belt cutter properly secured in a location within reach of the driver while belted into his/her driver's seat. The belt cutter shall be durable and designed to eliminate the possibility of the operator or others being cut during use.