Jonesboro, AR – Jonesboro Right Now – GOJO, the public transportation system of Jonesboro, has recently new received new ADA-compliant buses along its regular route services.
The buses, which seat about 20 people, have new features designed to keep their drivers safer while helping load and unload disabled passengers.
When helping load passengers, drivers previously had to exit the bus, potentially stepping into oncoming traffic. With these new vehicles, drivers can remain in the bus while helping passengers board.
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“They’ll be able to leave their driver’s seat and go straight to the new ramp that’s attached to the front of the bus,” said GOJO marketing coordinator Ryan Brasher. “Instead of the lifts like other buses, these have a ramp that comes right out the front doors. So not only is it gonna be easier for [drivers] to be able to get out not in traffic and help them, it’ll be easier for the ADA passenger to go directly from the curb to the bus.”
The buses’ ramps are foldable, which GOJO leadership said will make it easier for ADA passengers to enter and exit the vehicle.
“It should be very quick and easy, which is gonna keep the routes all running on time and it should make our passengers that are ADA much happier, too,” GOJO field supervisor James Tate said.
The buses, funded through grants, also feature winches to help secure wheelchairs, as well as more comfortable seating, an improved suspension system that creates a smoother ride, and more. The buses also feature a powertrain engine platform that GOJO expects will create a decrease in vehicle downtime due to repair and maintenance.
So far, GOJO has received two buses, with a third expected soon. These will add to the transit system’s fleet to be used along its fixed route services.
“The main thing we really wanted to do was make it more comfortable for our riders and safer for our drivers, and then easier access for ADA compliance,” Brasher said.
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