The wheelchair-accessible minibus

An accessible minibus has a lift or a ramp and securing points for wheelchairs. Its capacity depends on the layout: each wheelchair position replaces seats, so the same vehicle carries fewer people as more wheelchair users travel.

Layout decides the numbers

State on the request how many passengers travel in wheelchairs, how many walk, and whether anyone moves across to a seat. The operator then matches a layout. Wheelchair positions also eat into luggage room, so a group with suitcases may need a second vehicle for the bags. The driver holds a D1 licence, which covers up to 16 passengers.

Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 16-seat minibus, exterior

Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 19-seat minibus, exterior

Seats and luggage

Seats: Varies by layout; wheelchair positions replace seats
Luggage: Limited; wheelchair positions reduce luggage room

Rules and equipment on board

Lift or ramp access with wheelchair securing points
Category D1 licence for up to 16 passengers besides the driver and up to 8 m long
Seated occupants over three years old must use the seat belts and restraints the bus is fitted with (art. 172 c. 6, Codice della Strada)
The EU rights to assistance for disabled passengers cover scheduled bus and coach services of 250 km or more; on a private hire, accessibility is arranged with each booking

Belts, restraints and boarding time

Anyone over three who is seated wears the belts and restraints fitted to the bus. Wheelchairs are fixed at the securing points before the vehicle moves. Allow time for boarding and securing at every stop; on a day with several sights, those minutes add up.

Planning the stops

EU assistance rights stop at scheduled lines of 250 km and over, so on a hired minibus the help each passenger needs is agreed with the booking. Choose set-down points on level ground where the city allows it.

In Venice the road ends at Piazzale Roma. At the Arena di Verona the step-free gates are 1, 4 and 8. In Taormina, coaches use the Lumbi car park, where a shuttle runs about every 15 minutes to Piazza San Pancrazio by Porta Messina; ask the operator where an accessible minibus may set down. In Matera the Sassi are on foot only, with many steps; agree with the guide which parts the group can reach.

Questions organisers ask

How many wheelchairs fit?

It depends on the layout. Give the number on the request and the operator confirms the vehicle.

Can the accessible minibus travel with a coach?

Yes. A programme can run a coach for most of the group and the accessible minibus alongside it, on the same timetable and to the same set-down points.

Is there a minimum notice period?

No legal notice period applies to a private hire. Ask as early as you can, so the right layout can be found for the date.