Accommodation of Larger Mobility Devices on Public Buses Priority Spaces and Exemptions to Specific Users

Mr Cai Yinzhou asked the Minister for Transport (a) what are the dimensions of priority spaces on public buses in circulation, by bus model and year introduced; (b) whether newer models have smaller spaces than earlier ones; (c) whether mobility device size limits on public transport accommodate heavy-duty, bariatric or tilt-in-space wheelchairs and mobility aids; and (d) if not, whether exemptions can be granted to specific users.

Mr Jeffrey Siow: The size limit for wheelchairs and personal mobility aids onboard buses is 120 centimetres in length and 70 centimetres in width. The combined weight of the device and the user must also not be more than 300 kilogrammes.

In practice, the size of wheelchair bays on public buses can range from 130 centimetres to 205 centimetres in length and 75 centimetres to 90 centimetres in width, depending on the bus model. Newer models provide more space for wheelchair users, as there are two wheelchair bays, although each of the individual bays may be more compact.

We are not able to grant exemptions for users of devices that do not comply with the size limits as this could compromise the safety of the user and other passengers, as well as sufficient space for passenger movement. Such users can apply for support, such as via the Taxi Subsidy Scheme, to defray the cost of specialised transport services.