The wheelchair-accessible minibus: everyone in one vehicle
A lift or ramp at the door, securing points in the floor, and seats that make way for wheelchairs: an accessible minibus lets a mixed-mobility group travel as one. It suits families, care homes, day centres and any tour where no traveller should be left out.
Layouts differ
Each wheelchair position replaces seats, so capacity depends on the layout, and the luggage room shrinks as well. Describe the wheelchairs, manual or powered, whether anyone moves to a seat for the journey, and how many companions come, and the operator suggests a vehicle.
On board
- All landing stages for the Rhine cruise ships in Basel are barrier-free; Glacier Express and Bernina Express wheelchair places and boarding help are booked in advance
- Category D1 licence for more than eight and up to 16 seats besides the driver (Art. 3 Abs. 2 VZV)
- ARV 2 does not apply to drivers who professionally carry people with disabilities (Art. 4 Abs. 1 Bst. c ARV 2), and companions of people needing special care in vehicles of disability transport services are exempt from wearing seat belts (Art. 3a Abs. 2 Bst. f VRV)
- Transport exclusively of people with disabilities is outside the federal passenger-transport monopoly (Art. 8 Abs. 1 Bst. c VPB)
- Lift or ramp access with wheelchair securing points
Rules that apply
With 9 to 16 passenger seats, the vehicle calls for a driver with the D1 licence. The drivers' hours ordinance for small passenger vehicles, ARV 2, does not apply to drivers who carry people with disabilities professionally.
Seat belts are worn wherever fitted, with one exception: a companion looking after a passenger who needs special care, in a vehicle of a disability transport service, does not have to buckle up.
Days out that work
Basel's Rhine cruise landing stages are step-free. Wheelchair users ride the Glacier Express and the Bernina Express once their places and any boarding help are reserved early, so the minibus can drop the group at one station and collect them at another. At each stop on the day, the operator confirms where the vehicle can set down close to the entrance.
Questions travellers ask
Can a wheelchair user stay in the chair for the journey?
Yes, in a wheelchair position with securing points. If the chair is not suitable for travel, the passenger moves to a seat; ask the operator when you book.
Can we hire it for a whole day, not just a transfer?
Yes. Give the stops and times, and the driver uses the lift or ramp at each one.
What about an airport pickup?
Tell the operator if airline assistance is booked, so the pickup time allows for it, and give the flight number.
Other trips we arrange
- Company days out and congress weeks, one minibus at a time
- Ski week transfers: airport to chalet in one minibus
- Class outings sized to fit one vehicle
- Away days for clubs, squads and supporters
- Getting your wedding guests there, and home again
- Day trips by minibus: lakes, falls and panoramic trains
- From the gangway to your next stop by minibus
- Accessible trips for groups with wheelchair users
Book an accessible minibus
Send the date, the route and the number of wheelchair users and other passengers. We pass it to a licensed partner operator with suitable vehicles.
Request a quote or call 35227647770