Survey of Vehicles and Equipment for Elderly and Handicapped Transportation

Urbanik II, Thomas; Kelley, William; Soegaard, Jose A. · 1978 · ROSA P / Texas Transportation Institute. Texas A&M University

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Summary

This 1978 technical report by the Texas Transportation Institute addresses the need for a comprehensive guide to selecting vehicles and equipment for transporting elderly and handicapped individuals. Sponsored by the State Department of Highways and Public Transportation and the Urban Mass Transportation Administration, the study aims to assist transit operators and agencies in developing specifications, reducing procurement effort, and avoiding common operational pitfalls by leveraging existing user experiences. The methodology involved assembling an initial list of over 70 manufacturers from previous reports and transit registers, narrowing the focus to 34 active manufacturers of small buses, van conversions, and specialized equipment. The report presents detailed catalogs of these manufacturers, including basic specifications, special considerations, and costs. Additionally, the authors conducted a survey of 120 providers of specialized transportation to gather summaries of operational experience. The report categorizes vehicles into small transit buses, truck-chassis small buses, and vans, noting that vans were the most widely used vehicle type, utilized by 70% of surveyed organizations. Key findings include detailed specifications for various vehicle types. Small transit buses, such as those by Chance Manufacturing and Transportation Manufacturing Co., are characterized by heavy-duty construction, diesel engines, and seating capacities of 20–35 passengers, with costs ranging from approximately $60,000 to $86,000. Truck-chassis buses, including models from Mercedes-Benz, Argosy, and Thomas Built Buses, offer lower capital costs and capacities of 16–24 passengers, with base prices ranging from $14,000 to $43,000. Van conversions, predominantly using Dodge chassis, are highlighted for their prevalence, with conversion costs varying from $750 for roof raises to over $15,000 for full packages including lifts. The report also details wheelchair lift and restraint systems from manufacturers like Collins and Braun. Operational feedback from the survey and cited studies revealed specific issues, such as noise levels in Mercedes buses, maintenance difficulties with Grumman and Winnebago vehicles due to non-standard parts, and high first-step heights in some Superior and Carpenter models. The significance of this report lies in its role as a preliminary guide for procurement, enabling agencies to evaluate available equipment efficiently. By providing data on costs, specifications, and real-world operational experiences, the report helps purchasers avoid problematic features and select vehicles that better serve the needs of elderly and handicapped users. The disclaimer notes that the report does not endorse any specific product, encouraging buyers to conduct further due diligence.

Key finding

Vans constitute the most widely used vehicle type in transporting the elderly and handicapped, with 70 percent of surveyed organizations utilizing them and Dodge being the most frequently selected van model.

Methodology

survey

Sample size: 120

Provenance

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Summary generated by qwen3.6-27b-prismaquant on 2026-06-10; verification: verified.

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• physical impairment