Customers with Disabilities

At Chicago Motor Coach, we understand how important dignity and respect are when we help our passengers with disabilities. Whatever services you need getting on and off the bus, we can help you. Whether that is luggage assistance, storage, mobility devices, and assistive aids, let us know.

Give us advanced notice

Our staff is receptive to help you with whatever your needs are for the charter trip. The one thing we ask is that you contact us ahead of time, so we know how to best serve your needs. Give us a call at least 48 hours in advance.
By calling us ahead of time, we can prepare the driver to give you the assistance you require. For example, let us know how much your scooter or wheelchair weighs. This way we choose the coach bus with the right lift and enough space in the luggage bay.
Furthermore, you might need priority seating at the front of the bus. We can reserve this space for you.
Finally, if you have any hearing or vision loss, let us know what assistance you might need.

Lift-equipped buses

To reiterate, if you need a lift, please call 48-hours in advance. We need your contact and charter information. If we do not receive a call 48-hours beforehand, we will do everything in our power to support your needs including alternative boarding options.
Our lift-equipped buses have two securement areas for the wheelchairs. For other scooter and wheelchair riders, they are required to take a seat. Wheelchair reservation access is first come, first serve.
Those who need wheelchair assistance should arrive 30 minutes before leaving, so you can pre-board.
Note: The passenger and mobile device must weigh less than 600 pounds combined. The device’s maximum dimensions to fit on the bus are 30 inches wide and 48 inches long.

The storing and handling of mobility devices

Smaller canes and crutches can be stored in the overhead compartment or under your seat.
If your mobility aid does not fit, we store it in the baggage compartment under the bus for no additional cost.
Additionally, mobile aids that weigh more than 50lbs require a ramp to load the device.
Note: if your mobility device was lost or damaged on a Chicago Motor Coach bus, please notify your driver at once.

Personal Care Attendant

Chicago Motor Coach employees are not able/required to assist with your personal needs like eating, toileting, or medical care. We recommend you travel with a personal care attendant. The driver can hold adjacent seats together (upon request) to make sure you travel together.

Rest Stops

Please let your driver know if you need assistance at designated rest or meal stops en route. We can retrieve your mobile aids at that time.

Medical Oxygen

Due to federal law, we cannot carry more than 99lbs of medical oxygen canisters on the bus. If we run out of space, entry is first come, first serve.
Each passenger may bring four canisters (2 for use on the bus and two stowed in baggage) on the bus. The maximum dimensions are 4.5-inches in diameter and 26-inches tall.
Unused oxygen canisters need safety caps on the valves and carried in cargo.
Chicago Motor Coach is not responsible for making sure they have enough oxygen to complete the trip and arranging refills if they do not.
Passengers can use a Portable Oxygen Concentrator and ensure they have enough battery power to the complete the trip.
When you book your trip, ask about electrical outlets. However, you should also bring a backup battery power supply.

Medicine

Please bring medication in your carry-on luggage, and not under the bus. In case of emergency, we need to know where to find the medicine.

Service Animals

Service animals must not occupy the seat or obstruct the aisle. They are welcome on the bus with passengers with disabilities.
All service animals must be on a leash or carrier and behave throughout the trip. We reserve the right to refuse travel to animals that pose a direct threat to customers, drivers, or other Chicago Motor Coach employees.