Requirements re grab bars, etc.
 53. (1) Every conventional transportation service provider shall ensure that all of its transportation vehicles to which this section applies that are manufactured on or after January 1, 2013 are equipped with grab bars, handholds, handrails or stanchions that are provided where appropriate at, (a) locations where passengers are required to pay fares; (b) each mobility aid securement position; (c) each priority seating area intended for use by persons with disabilities; and (d) each side of any entrance or exit used by persons with disabilities.  O. Reg. 191/11, s. 53 (1); O. Reg. 165/16, s. 11. (2) With respect to all transportation vehicles to which this section applies, every conventional transportation service provider shall ensure that grab bars, handholds, handrails or stanchions located at an entrance or exit used by a person with a disability are accessible from ground level and are mounted so that they are inside the vehicle when the doors are closed.  O. Reg. 191/11, s. 53 (2). (3) Every conventional transportation service provider shall ensure that all vehicles to which this section applies meet the following standards: 1. The location of grab bars, handholds, handrails or stanchions must be distributed, as appropriate to the vehicle’s design, throughout the vehicle to support independent and safe boarding, on-board circulation, seating and standing assistance and deboarding for persons with disabilities. 2. Grab bars, handholds, handrails or stanchions must not interfere with the turning and maneuvring space required for mobility aids to reach the allocated space from the entrance. 3. Grab bars, handholds, handrails or stanchions must be high colour-contrasted with their background to assist with visual recognition. 4. Every grab bar, handhold, handrail or stanchion must, i. be sturdy, rounded and free of any sharp or abrasive element, ii. have an exterior diameter that permits easy grasping by the full range of passengers and sufficient clearance from the surface to which it is attached, iii. be designed to prevent catching or snagging of clothes or personal items, and iv. have a slip resistant surface. 5. Where grab bars, handholds, handrails or stanchions return to a wall or floor, they must do so in a smooth curve. 6. Brackets, clamps, screw heads or other fasteners used on grab bars, handholds, handrails or stanchions must be rounded or flush with the surface and free from burrs or rough edges.  O. Reg. 191/11, s. 53 (3). (4) This section applies in respect of the following: 1. Transit buses. 2. Motor coaches. 3. Streetcars. 4. Subways. 5. Light rail. 6. Commuter rail. 7. Inter-city rail.  O. Reg. 191/11, s. 53 (4). (5) Despite subsection (4), this section does not apply to vehicles regulated under Regulation 629 of the Revised Regulations of Ontario, 1990 (Vehicles for the Transportation of Physically Disabled Passengers) made under the Highway Traffic Act.  O. Reg. 191/11, s. 53 (5). (6) Despite subsection (1), where a conventional transportation service provider enters into a contractual obligation to purchase new or used vehicles of a type referenced in subsection (4) on or after July 1, 2011, the transportation service provider shall ensure the vehicles meet the requirements of this section.  O. Reg. 191/11, s. 53 (6). (7) Subsection (6) does not apply if the installation of the grab bars, handholds, handrails or stanchions would impair the structural integrity of the vehicle.  O. Reg. 191/11, s. 53 (7).