[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: 49CFR38.77]

[Page 551-552]
 
                        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 D--Light Rail Vehicles and Systems
 
Sec. 38.77  Interior circulation, handrails and stanchions.

    (a) Handrails and stanchions shall be sufficient to permit safe 
boarding, on-board circulation, seating and standing assistance, and 
alighting by persons with disabilities.
    (b) At entrances equipped with steps, handrails and stanchions shall 
be provided in the entrance to the vehicle in a configuration which 
allows passengers to grasp such assists from outside the vehicle while 
starting to board, and to continue using such handrails or stanchions 
throughout the boarding 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, a horizontal passenger assist 
shall be located between boarding passengers and the fare collection 
device 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 door through the boarding 
procedure. Passengers shall be able to lean against the assist for 
security while paying fares.

[[Page 552]]

    (c) At all doors on level-entry vehicles, and at each entrance 
accessible by lift, ramp, bridge plate or other suitable means, 
handrails, stanchions, passenger seats, vehicle driver seat platforms, 
and fare boxes, if applicable, shall be located so as to allow a route 
at least 32 inches wide so that at least two wheelchair or mobility aid 
users can enter the vehicle and position the wheelchairs or mobility 
aids in areas, each having a minimum clear space of 48 inches by 30 
inches, which do not unduly restrict movement of other passengers. Space 
to accommodate wheelchairs and mobility aids may be provided within the 
normal area used by standees and designation of specific spaces is not 
required. Particular attention shall be given to ensuring maximum 
maneuverability immediately inside doors. Ample vertical stanchions from 
ceiling to seat-back rails shall be provided. Vertical stanchions from 
ceiling to floor shall not interfere with wheelchair or mobility aid 
circulation and shall be kept to a minimum in the vicinity of accessible 
doors.