The wheelchair-accessible minibus
An accessible minibus has a lift or a ramp and securing points for wheelchairs. Each wheelchair position takes the place of seats, so the layout is set for each booking.
Planning the floor plan
Start by counting wheelchair users, and say whether each stays in the chair during the journey. Two wheelchairs and eight seated passengers need a different layout from one wheelchair and twelve. Luggage room is limited, because the wheelchair spaces use the floor.
Allow time at every stop. Raising a wheelchair on the lift and securing it takes longer than a seated passenger climbing aboard, so add those minutes to each pickup in the timetable.
Care homes and day centres often book a series of outings. If the same people travel each time, say so; the operator can plan the same layout for every trip.
Capacity
- Seats: Varies by layout; wheelchair positions replace seats
- Luggage: Limited; wheelchair positions reduce luggage room
Rules and equipment
- Lift or ramp access with wheelchair securing points
- Category D1 licence for up to 17 seats including the driver; operated by a company entered in the register of road passenger transport companies
- The EU rights to assistance for disabled passengers cover scheduled long-distance coach services of 250 km or more; on a private hire, accessibility is arranged with each booking
- The French carte mobilité inclusion (CMI) with the 'stationnement' mention lets the holder use public parking places, including disabled places, whether the holder drives or is a passenger, together with the person accompanying them
Licence, rights and parking
The driver holds D1, the category for passenger vehicles of 17 seats or fewer, and the operator is on the DREAL register of passenger carriers. The EU assistance rules for disabled passengers reach only scheduled coach lines covering 250 km or more. A private hire sits outside them, so access is agreed in the booking.
A CMI card with the 'stationnement' mention opens public parking places to the holder, disabled bays included, even when the holder travels as a passenger. The person accompanying them is covered too. Keep the card to hand on every trip.
Organisers ask
Can a passenger stay in the wheelchair while travelling?
Yes, in a wheelchair position with securing points. Give the chair type and size; large powered chairs need more room.
Can it do an airport or cruise transfer?
Yes, both are common uses. Send the flight or ship details, the number of wheelchairs and the amount of luggage.
What if the group is too big for one vehicle?
Pair the accessible minibus with a coach or a second minibus, both on the same request and the same pickup point.