**T303 Ramps and Bridgeplates**

**T303.1 General.** Ramps and bridgeplates shall comply with T303. Ramps and bridgeplates shall be permitted to fold or telescope if all the requirements of T303 are met. **T303.2 Design Load.** The design load of ramps and bridgeplates 760 mm (30 inches) or more in length shall be 273 kg (600 pounds) minimum. The design load of ramps and bridgeplates less than 760 mm (30 inches) in length shall be 136 kg (300 pounds) minimum. Ramps and bridgeplates shall have a design safety factor of at least 3, based on the ultimate strength of the material. **Advisory T303.2 Design Load.** The design load is the weight the ramp or bridgeplate is designed to support without damage or permanent deformation. Some deflection may occur under ma ximum load. **T303.3 Attachment.** When used for boarding and alighting, ramps and bridgeplates shall be firmly attached to the vehicle and shall not be subject to displacement from the vehicle. **T303.4 Emergency Operation.** Power operated ramps and bridgeplat es shall be capable of being operated manually and in a manner that is safe for the occupant and operator if the power fails. **T303.5 Surfaces.** Ramp and bridgeplate surfaces shall comply with T802, and shall be uninterrupted from edge to edge. **Advisory T30 3.5 Surfaces.**  Ramp and bridgeplate surfaces must be uninterrupted from edge to edge to accommodate three

-wheel scooters. Expanded metal or perforated materials are permitted, as long as the openings comply with T802.3. **T303.6 Clear Width.** The ramp and b ridgeplate clear width shall be 760 mm (30 inches) minimum. **Advisory T303.6 Clear Width.** A wider ramp or bridgeplate is recommended because it is more usable by passengers who use wheelchairs, and accommodates a broader range of passengers with disabiliti es. The ramp or bridgeplate width should not exceed the clear opening of the doorway, or the clear width of the circulation path connecting the doorway to the wheelchair space. **T303.7 Edge Barriers.** The edges of ramps and bridgeplates that are more than 75 mm (3 inches) above the boarding and alighting area level shall have barriers 51 mm (2 inches) high minimum. **T303.8 Slope.** Ramp and bridgeplate slopes shall comply with T303.8 when measured at 50 percent passenger load. **Advisory T303.8 Slope.** The Depa rtment of Transportation regulations at 49 CFR 37.165(f) require vehicle operators to assist passengers with disabilities with the use of boarding devices, even if the vehicle operators must leave their seats. Providing ramps and bridgeplates with the lea st possible slope accommodates a broader range of passengers with disabilities and minimizes the need for assistance. **T303.8.1 General.** Ramps and bridgeplates shall have slopes not steeper than 1:6 (17 percent) when deployed to boarding and alighting area s without station platforms and to the roadway.**T303.8.2 Station Platforms.** Ramps and bridgeplates shall have slopes not steeper than 1:8 (12.5

percent) when deployed to station platforms. **T303.9 Transitions.** Surface discontinuities at transitions from b oarding and alighting areas to ramps and bridgeplates shall comply with T802.5. **T303.10 Visual Contrast.** The perimeter of the ramp and bridgeplate surface shall be outlined. The outline shall be 25 mm (1 inch) wide minimum and shall contrast visually wit h the rest of the ramp and bridgeplate surface either light

- on - dark or dark

-on - light. **T303.11 Gaps.** When deployed for boarding and alighting, gaps between the ramp or bridgeplate surface and vehicle floor shall not permit passage of a sphere more than 16 mm (5/8 inch) in diameter. **T303.12 Stowage.** Where portable ramps or bridgeplates are permitted, a compartment, securement system, or other method shall be provided within the vehicle to stow the ramps and bridgeplates when not in use. When stowed in pass enger areas, portable ramps and bridgeplates shall not pose a hazard to passengers, and shall not interfere with the maneuvering of wheelchairs.