Busline Magazine Feature article by Ben Capelle, Laketran CEO

Ensuring safe and reliable mobility for all riders is the foundation of public transit. For individuals who rely on wheelchairs, scooters, and other mobility devices, that assurance begins with the proper selection and use of wheelchair lifts and securement systems. Not only are these technologies critical to maintaining compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), they also directly shape the daily rider experience — making the difference between a trip that is empowering and one that feels burdensome.

As transit agencies evaluate options, the question is not just which lift or restraint system to choose, but how to ensure it is safe, practical, and user-friendly for both customers and drivers. At Laketran —northeast Ohio’s regional public transit system serving Lake County — this is a daily responsibility. With a fleet of 160 accessible vehicles, including 107 paratransit buses and vans, Laketran provides nearly 900 daily paratransit and on-demand rideshare trips for seniors and people with disabilities. That experience offers valuable perspective on what makes wheelchair lifts and securements effective in real-world transit environments.

At the core of every decision is safety. Wheelchair lifts and restraints must provide secure, stable, and reliable access for all types of mobility devices. Beyond basic compliance, Laketran often invests in advanced safety features, such as hydraulic-powered roll stops that offer mechanical locking, and chooses equipment with higher weight capacities than the ADA’s 600-pound minimum, recognizing the challenge that mobility devices are getting larger and heavier every year.

But safety alone isn’t enough. The system must also be easy for both passengers and drivers to use. A securement device that requires multiple straps, extensive adjustments, or complicated positioning can cause delays, frustration, or even improper use. Systems that simplify the securement process reduce boarding times, minimize operator error, and improve customer satisfaction.
At Laketran, paratransit vehicles are fitted with full-floor tracking systems, often called L-Track systems, which are strips of pre-drilled aluminum track installed along the floor and/or walls of a vehicle. This system provides multiple, flexible attachment points for wheelchair tie-down hardware and straps, allowing for versatile and secure placement of various wheelchairs and mobility devices. The flexibility offered by this system gives drivers more boarding options and customers a choice on where they want to sit onboard a vehicle.
Even the best-designed equipment is only as good as the people using it. One of the most common challenges agencies face is ensuring bus drivers use lifts and securements correctly and consistently. Training is the single most important tool to overcome this.

At Laketran, where paratransit drivers manage hundreds of mobility boardings each day, training ensures customers experience consistent, safe, and dignified service. Ongoing instruction allows drivers to build confidence and efficiency, while refreshers ensure proper technique does not erode over time. For riders, training means drivers are ready to assist without hesitation, instilling a sense of trust in the system. Agencies that prioritize training reduce misuse, save time, and foster stronger relationships with their riders.

While new securement technologies are emerging, most wheelchair lifts rely on established engineering principles. Agencies evaluating equipment often find that simpler designs — with fewer moving parts — translate to more reliable service and easier maintenance. This focus on simplicity ensures lifts remain operational with minimal downtime, keeping buses on the road and passengers moving.

Innovations in securement systems, such as automated rear-facing devices, are increasingly common and what Laketran uses on its fixed-route fleet. These reduce the need for physical operator intervention, giving riders greater independence and shortening boarding times. While no single technology is perfect for every fleet, agencies that evaluate options through the lens of safety, ease of use, and long-term maintenance typically see the greatest success.

Equipment decisions are not made in isolation. Agencies benefit from incorporating feedback from the people who use the systems every day. Drivers provide valuable input on how practical securements are to use, while riders can speak directly to comfort and independence. In some cases, bringing operations staff and passengers into the selection process — testing equipment in a boardroom or on a bus before rollout — helps agencies identify problems early and builds buy-in across the organization.
One of the biggest mistakes agencies make is underestimating the size and weight of modern mobility devices. Power wheelchairs and scooters continue to grow in both dimensions and mass, and equipment that fails to accommodate them can leave passengers stranded.

Another danger is overlooking preventive maintenance. A lift or securement may work well when installed, but without proper upkeep and cleaning, reliability and safety suffer. Agencies that prioritize maintenance schedules and invest in training for technicians extend the life of their equipment and ensure consistent rider access.

As mobility devices evolve, public transit will face new challenges. Heavier and more complex chairs may push the limits of current lift technology. Agencies will need to stay ahead of these trends by monitoring product innovations, piloting new solutions, and revising fleet standards as needed.

There is also opportunity in adopting practices that support broader accessibility. Laketran, for example, keeps standard transport chairs onboard paratransit vehicles for ambulatory riders who may need just a little extra assistance. Small solutions like this can significantly enhance service delivery.

Public transit thrives on inclusivity. By thoughtfully selecting wheelchair lifts and securement systems — and pairing that investment with strong training, rider engagement, and proactive planning — agencies can deliver mobility solutions that are safe, efficient, and future-ready.

Accessibility is not just about compliance; it is about dignity, independence, and trust. Agencies that approach equipment decisions with these values at the forefront ensure that every rider, regardless of mobility, has a reliable seat on the journey.