[Code of Federal Regulations]
[Title 49, Volume 1]
[Revised as of October 1, 2002]
From the U.S. Government Printing Office via GPO Access
[CITE: 49CFR38.29]

[Page 547]
 
                        TITLE 49--TRANSPORTATION
 
          SUBTITLE A--OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY OF TRANSPORTATION
 
PART 38--AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT (ADA) ACCESSIBILITY SPECIFICATIONS FOR TRANSPORTATION VEHICLES--Table of Contents
 
                   Subpart B--Buses, Vans and Systems
 
Sec. 38.29  Interior circulation, handrails and stanchions.

    (a) Interior handrails and stanchions shall permit sufficient 
turning and maneuvering space for wheelchairs and other mobility aids to 
reach a securement location from the lift or ramp.
    (b) Handrails and stanchions shall be provided in the entrance to 
the vehicle in a configuration which allows persons with disabilities to 
grasp such assists from outside the vehicle while starting to board, and 
to continue using such assists throughout the boarding and fare 
collection process. Handrails shall have a cross-sectional diameter 
between 1\1/4\ inches and 1\1/2\ inches or shall provide an equivalent 
grasping surface, and have eased edges with corner radii of not less 
than \1/8\ inch. Handrails shall be placed to provide a minimum 1\1/2\ 
inches knuckle clearance from the nearest adjacent surface. Where on-
board fare collection devices are used on vehicles in excess of 22 feet 
in length, a horizontal passenger assist shall be located across the 
front of the vehicle and shall prevent passengers from sustaining 
injuries on the fare collection device or windshield in the event of a 
sudden deceleration. Without restricting the vestibule space, the assist 
shall provide support for a boarding passenger from the front door 
through the boarding procedure. Passengers shall be able to lean against 
the assist for security while paying fares.
    (c) For vehicles in excess of 22 feet in length, overhead 
handrail(s) shall be provided which shall be continuous except for a gap 
at the rear doorway.
    (d) Handrails and stanchions shall be sufficient to permit safe 
boarding, on-board circulation, seating and standing assistance, and 
alighting by persons with disabilities.
    (e) For vehicles in excess of 22 feet in length with front-door 
lifts or ramps, vertical stanchions immediately behind the driver shall 
either terminate at the lower edge of the aisle-facing seats, if 
applicable, or be ``dog-legged'' so that the floor attachment does not 
impede or interfere with wheelchair footrests. If the driver seat 
platform must be passed by a wheelchair or mobility aid user entering 
the vehicle, the platform, to the maximum extent practicable, shall not 
extend into the aisle or vestibule beyond the wheel housing.
    (f) For vehicles in excess of 22 feet in length, the minimum 
interior height along the path from the lift to the securement location 
shall be 68 inches. For vehicles of 22 feet in length or less, the 
minimum interior height from lift to securement location shall be 56 
inches.