The Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act 2005 (AODA) became law on June 13, 2005. The legislation mandates how businesses and organizations provided accessible services to people with disabilities. The Integrated Accessibility Standards Regulation (IASR, 191-11) established under the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act and adopted in June 2011, includes 80 accessibility standards relating to transportation, employment and information and communications.
Section 49 of the Integrated Accessibility Standards Regulation requires that every conventional transportation service provider ensure that there is clearly marked seating for persons with disabilities on every vehicle, located as close as practicable to the entrance door. The signage must indicate that passengers other than those with disabilities must vacate the marked area if it is required by a person with a disability.
Priority seating
Priority seating is for the use of passengers with a disability. These seats are located close to the front of the vehicle. Customers are expected to respect and obey the purpose of the designated seating area, which means: if you are sitting in one of these designated seats, you MUST vacate the seat for a passenger with a disability. Bus drivers will not enforce this requirement or intervene in any dispute related to Priority Seating.
The provision of priority seating on all conventional transit vehicles has been mandated as part of the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act 2005 (AODA) accessibility standards requirements.
Courtesy seating
Courtesy seating is intended to provide additional seating for people who will benefit from having a seat near the front of the vehicle including:
- Seniors,
- expectant mothers,
- adults traveling with infants or small children, or
- any other passenger who may benefit from a seat.
If you are sitting in one of these designated seats, please respect its purpose and give up your seat to those who need it. Bus drivers will not enforce this requirement or intervene in any dispute related to Courtesy Seating.
AODA and Priority Seating
The Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act 2005 (AODA) became law on June 13, 2005. The legislation mandates how businesses and organizations provided accessible services to people with disabilities. The Integrated Accessibility Standards Regulation (IASR, 191-11) established under the AODA and adopted in June 2011, includes 80 accessibility standards relating to transportation, employment and information and communications.
Section 49 of the IASR requires that every conventional transportation service provider ensure that there is clearly marked seating for persons with disabilities on every vehicle, located as close as practicable to the entrance door. The signage must indicate that passengers other than those with disabilities must vacate the marked area if it is required by a person with a disability.