Segways on Mass Transit
 

...On a less contentious issue....

Some of you have had success with Segways on mass transit, in particular busses and subways / metro lines.

I am in continual discussions with our local metro authority in order to get the approvals to have Segways allowed on our upcoming metro (IOC is early 2009).

Today they asked me for the cities / countries that allow the Segway on their busses and / or subway / metro lines. While I'm coming up with a list, I was hoping that our far reaching "family" could provide a list of bus systems and / or subway / metro lines that allow the use of Segways.

Yes, I've already asked Inc but y'all might know more than they do.

Thanks in advance.

Steven

Houston
 

Houston Metro allow them on the train to downtown but you must walk them on the platform and into the train itself. Other than that no problem.

LA subway, SB buses and Bay Area pilot projects
 

Several gliders have reported that the LA Metro system is segway friendly (but I think this doesn't include buses). I don't have first hand experience, so I can't give you details like when you have to walk your segway. Santa Barbara buses only allows them if you are disabled, but an alternate commuter bus going from Santa Barbara halfway to LA allows segways. The main reason for the difference is that the commuter buses have underfloor storage bins.

Steven, segways are an incredible solution for the "first mile". Check out these link ( http://www.calstart.org/programs/cm/...php?p=programs ) and ( http://www.calstart.org/programs/cm/FM_Vol_2_No_1.pdf ) where they mention a half million dollar program (EasyConnect http://www.easyconnect.com/ ) by the California DOT utilizing segways. The cool part about this program is that it's employer sponsored. Talk about cool perks..."yeah, my boss makes me ride the segway/train to work". I wish I had employers like this!

Wow, Steven, that would be a great list, once it is compiled. Could you make it available after you get it together?

Washington DC is a GO!
 

WAMTA lets Segways on our Subway (METRO.) We follow the bike rules, Not during rush hour 7-10 am or 4 -7 pm nor during holidays like July 4th, when the system is at peak usage. Just use the elevators and not the escalators.

For disabled users, a short test is required and a card is required, and they have 24/7 365 access

Our bus system is not designed to carry segs, but the new DC Circulator can, and DCSEG is working with them, Segway and Q-Straint out of Florida to make that happen.

Any news on Seattle
 

I'm a newby and don't yet own a Seg. I have accessed the Seattle City Ordinances on Personal Transporters but they are dated 7/6/04 and I believe that there has been talk of Segs being prohibited on sidewalks during the period 6am till midnight, i.e. during the day. Does anyone have any update on this?

I live in Oro Valley AZ and the latest AZ State law is very accommodating treating them like wheelchairs, but should we return to Seattle, I would like to think that my Seg would be allowed on the sidewalk downtown.

Any thoughts?

Thanks

Boggy

Metro Transit in Minneapolis Minnesota has had a gentleman in the past who was authorized to use his Segway as a handicap device on our transit buses. He was 93 years old and rode his Segway until he was 96 and went into a nursing home. It wasn't until his death, and a nice article in the paper that I realized I had bought his machine.

I imagine it again would be on a case by case basis but it has been done. I have used my Segway on our Hiawatha Light Rail and had no problems, other than waiting for a train with space to get on at rush hour.

I leave it in balance mode, and lean it against the window with a long velcro cinch strap to keep it from moving too much. I have the 12.0 bag on the front and it gives it a little bit of cushioning.

Our Transit Police have 2 Segways, so they are Segway friendly. One officer has nicknamed his "Trigger". I think he's definitely gotten the bug!!

London seems a little like Washington DC, but the network is more extensive and the rules more complicated. In general if you can take a bike then you can take a Segway- some lines do not allow bikes at all others not in the rush hour. Most of our stations are deep with long escallators- clearly you are not allowed to ride on the escallators or on the platforms. It seems to depend more on the discretion of the individual stationmaster. One will let you on without any problem wile another will say you can't bring that in here....

Maybe when Segways are legal they will have to think a little more seriously about the issue- a Segway is very much less of a trip hazard than a bicycle and is smaller than a lot of the wheeled luggage you see tourists with.

New Mexico Railrunner
 

The New Mexico Railrunner (commuter train). I inquired, and they said yes - I haven't yet had a chance to actually ride it, though.

Just a bump
 

Anybody else with info?

Steven