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 maximum 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 bridgeplates 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 T303.5 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 bridgeplate 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 

disabilities. 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 Department 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 least 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 areas 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 boarding 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 with 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 passenger areas, portable ramps and bridgeplates shall not pose a hazard to 

passengers, and shall not interfere with the maneuvering of wheelchairs.