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Special Transportation Service (STS) Compliance Corner

Let’s talk about: Proper securement and safety of passengers who use a wheelchair during transport

One of the most critical components of providing Special Transportation Services is the safe transportation of passengers who use a wheelchair. It is imperative that the wheelchair and the passenger are properly secured in the vehicle to avoid possible injury to the passenger.

During the required annual MnDOT vehicle inspection, the driver may be asked to demonstrate the proper way to secure a wheelchair and passenger. The STS rules also require that drivers and attendants demonstrate the proper operation of a wheelchair lift or ramp (if the vehicle is equipped with one) and be able to assist the passenger into and out of the vehicle (Minnesota Rule 8840.5900, subp. 8). A wheelchair will be provided at the time of the inspection.

In addition, per MN Rule 8840.5910, subp. 5, each driver and attendant who transports passengers seated in a wheelchair or who assists passengers in transferring from a wheelchair to a vehicle must complete initial and refresher passenger assistance training.

More information

Additional information about wheelchair securement can be found in the STS Wheelchair Equipment Inspection Fact Sheet. Refer to the MnDOT website for more information about driver and attendant training requirements, including the Initial STS Provider Education.

If you have any questions or concerns about the securement of wheelchairs and passengers, please contact State Programs supervisor Jeff Cummins. He can be reached at 651-200-5611 or by email at jeffry.cummins@state.mn.us.

If you need an ASL, a foreign language interpreter, or documents in an alternative format please contact Janet Miller at 651-366-4720 (711 or 1-800-627-3529 for MN Relay). If you need any other reasonable accommodation to participate, please email your request to ADArequest.dot@state.mn.us.