Special needs passenger transportation staff at Elliott Coach Lines and Elmira Bus Lines are committed to the safe and efficient transportation of all passengers. To be effective in this commitment, it is important that these personnel have an awareness and appreciation of the unique challenges faced by passengers with special needs.

Staff is fully trained and qualified to deliver all training that is required to obtain a certificate upon successful completion of a written knowledge verification exercise and the practical driving test. Mandatory refresher courses are a requirement every six(6) months.

At Elliott Coach Lines we are proud of our comprehensive Special Needs Training Program that is divided into four (4) lessons involving 10-12 hours.

Here is a brief outline of some of the components included in our Special Needs Training Program:

• Video tape presentations (7)
• Proper maneuvering of the wheel chair
• Daily walk around inspection (circle check) of accessible vehicle
• Securing the wheel chair with the Q-straint system
• Electric and manual lift operation
• Evacuation procedures
• Practical training including passenger management and transportation
• Discussion of Special Needs Policy
• Breakdown and Accident management and reporting procedures
• Proper use of two-way radios
• Observe a special needs route

Upon completion of the above the trainee drives an accessible vehicle on a route doing loading and unloading of both ambulatory and wheel chair bound passengers, including securing the wheel chair with the Q-straint system all the while having the support of a trainer who will be riding with the trainee to assist in building confidence.