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HAMILTON INTRODUCING ALF ALF - Accessible Low Floor buses are now operating in the Hamilton area. With a total of 45 accessible low floor buses in the fleet it is impossible at this time to service all routes. HSR's goal is to continue purchasing these buses so that sometime in the future most routes will have low floor buses. The ALF buses will serve riders with "no steps entry/exit". Curb level entrance will improve access for existing transit customers including persons who have trouble climbing stairs. Regularly scheduled public transit services will be available for users of wheelchairs, scooters, walkers and other mobility devices. The entire floor of theses buses between the front and centre doors is about 14 inches above the ground. Upon request, the driver can lower the bus entrance to within 10 inches of the ground or to within 4 inches of the standard sidewalk. The front and centre door ramps can be extended by the driver onto the sidewalk. The slope of the ramps is virtually flat, providing easy access to the bus. At first glance, from the outside, an ALF bus looks just like any other HSR bus except for the International Symbol for Accessibility which appears on the front and side of the bus. There are two rear facing wheelchair spaces on the ALF bus. One space is located directly across from the centre doors of the bus. The bus seats at the wheelchair spaces can be raised to accommodate a wheelchair. These wheelchair spaces will accommodate most wheelchairs and scooters. If customers are sitting in the folding seats and wheelchair space is required, the driver will ask the seated passenger to move. Customers travelling in wheelchairs must have the ability to maneuver safely and effectively into rear-facing positions in one of the two wheelchair spaces. Persons who need assistance with boarding, approaching the seating area, securing their wheelchair, or exiting the ALF bus must be accompanied by an assistant who will assume these responsibilities. Normal HSR fares apply and payment is on a voluntary basis for persons in wheelchairs, wheeled walkers, scooters and for their assistants. For you safety, persons using wheelchairs are advised to use the lap belt. Persons using wheelchairs or other mobility devices are asked to use the centre door when getting on or off the ALF bus. The bus driver will lower the bus upon request and extend the ramp for passengers using wheelchairs, walkers, scooters, and other mobility devices. The ALF buses will stop at regular HSR stops along the assigned routes. Unfortunately Hamilton's Bus Check system cannot give specific information about ALF bus times. Please refer to the special ALF bus route timetable or call HSR information at (905) 527-4441. To request your stop, please push the stop request button. The stop request button is located on the yellow bar beside the wheelchair space. A special light on the bus dashboard tells the driver that a customer using a wheelchair is getting off the bus. Bicycles, strollers and buggies will be permitted on ALF only where there is sufficient space on the bus to accommodate them. These devices must be held securely by the passenger at all times when the bus is moving, clear of aisle and in a manner which does not inconvenience other customers. For additional information, please call HSR information at (905) 527-4441.