MCC: Accessible Transportation Regulations – Temporary Exemptions for Motor Coach Operators

Motor Coach Canada wants to make industry aware of some upcoming regulation changes.

For the past few years, the Canadian Transportation Agency (CTA) has been working to introduce regulations for the motor coach industry with respect to providing accessible transportation for Canadians.

MCC has been successful in encouraging the CTA to use the Transport Canada Intercity Bus Voluntary Code of Practice when considering regulations.

MCC said the regulations come into force on June 25, 2020.  As a reminder, the regulations impact operators that transport passengers between provincial and international borders.  The regulations do not apply to a bus that carries 39 passengers or less.  Furthermore, operators that do not have buses equipped with accessibility features do not have to equip the fleet but are permitted to work with industry partners to find equipment that will meet the accessibility request.

In light of the impact to industry due to the COVID19 pandemic, MCC appealed to the CTA for exemptions on issues that could impose additional costs at a time when industry is already experiencing unprecedented levels of financial hardship.  MCC reported the CTA agreed to exempt to the motor coach sector until December 31, 2020 for the regulations outlined below.

Click here for the full Accessible Transportation for Persons with Disabilities Regulations