The accessible minibus, laid out for your group

An accessible minibus is arranged around the people using it. Wheelchair positions take the place of some seats, so the layout is agreed for each trip rather than fixed in advance.

How it is fitted

Passengers board by a lift or a ramp, and each wheelchair position has securing points. Every position uses the room of several seats and part of the luggage space, so a minibus carrying two chairs seats fewer people than the same model without them.

Seating varies from one layout to the next. The right vehicle depends on how many people stay in their chairs, how many transfer to a seat, and what else comes along: a folded chair, a walking frame, a carer.

On board

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
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
Category D1 licence for up to 17 seats including the driver; operated by a company entered in the register of road passenger transport companies
Lift or ramp access with wheelchair securing points

Licence and operator

Like other minibuses of this size, it is driven on a D1 licence, and the company running it is inscribed in the official register of passenger carriers.

Rights, parking and pace

The EU assistance rights for disabled passengers cover scheduled long-distance coach services of 250 km or more, not private hire; here, accessibility is arranged booking by booking. A CMI card marked 'stationnement' opens public parking, including bays reserved for disabled people, to its holder and their companion, at the wheel or not.

Allow extra time at each stop for boarding by lift, and choose cafés, viewpoints and toilets with step-free access. A slower, shorter day with fewer stops is often the more enjoyable one for everybody on board.

Your questions, answered

How many chairs fit in one vehicle?

That comes down to the layout. Tell us the number of wheelchair users and the number of seated passengers, and a vehicle is matched to both.

Can a powered wheelchair travel?

Usually, if the lift and securing points suit its size and weight. Give the model or the measurements in your request.

Is there room for luggage?

Less than in a standard minibus, because wheelchair positions use part of the space. For an airport transfer with cases, a second vehicle for the bags may be the answer.