Segways on Mass Transit

Desert_Seg · 02-05-2007, 07:52 AM

...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

TX2Wheels · 02-05-2007, 11:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Desert_Seg

...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 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.

plo · 02-05-2007, 12:28 PM

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!

KSagal · 02-05-2007, 12:38 PM

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

wwhopper · 02-05-2007, 02:03 PM

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.

boggabri · 02-05-2007, 05:54 PM

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

singman · 02-05-2007, 06:29 PM

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!!

Desert_Seg · 02-07-2007, 12:29 AM

Anybody else with info?

Steven

SidewalkSkimmer · 02-07-2007, 06:10 PM

Here in Portland, Oregon, Segways are permitted on our light rail system ("Max") pretty much subject to the same rules as bikes. (i.e., roll it on and off, etc.) They are not permitted on buses unless you are disabled, and then obviously only on buses properly equipped for wheelchairs.

I've made a number of trips in and out of downtown Portland via Max, and it really couldn't be easier.

cmonkey · 02-07-2007, 08:36 PM

Metrolink may be up to something. I have a voicemail that I've kept on my phone, (to play to conductors not in the know) from a Christine in passenger services from Metrolink. In her message, "Policy states that Segways are ok but must be secured with the bike straps on the lower level of the train, and they may not be ridden on the platform; any further questions and I can call the customer service # @ 800-371-5465."

Well, I rode the metrolink again yesterday, and now one conductor asked me if I was hancicapped, and that only hadicapped users are allowed to bring segways on board. And another metrolink employee said they recently changed the rules, but he wasn't sure because they kept changing their minds.

So I find the customer service bldg.... (but oops, it's the MTA the subway and bus folks) and I call their customer service line and find out segways are allowed on the MTA Rail cars. I didn't ask about the busses since i never use them. The call took a while because the customer service rep had to go up three levels to a VP to get the answer.

02-05-2007, 07:52 AM	#1
Desert_Seg Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Posts: 1,425	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 __________________ “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it's the only thing that ever has.”-- Margaret Mead

02-05-2007, 12:28 PM	#3
plo Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Santa Barbara, CA, USA. Posts: 1,090	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! __________________ Polo demonstrates how the world does revolve around a single point...a small nerf ball!

02-05-2007, 12:38 PM	#4
KSagal Segway Guru Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Wilmington, MA, USA. Posts: 2,733	Wow, Steven, that would be a great list, once it is compiled. Could you make it available after you get it together? __________________ Karl Ian Sagal Each Road you travel should be just a bit better for having had you pass. President, SEG America www.SEGAmerica.org

02-05-2007, 02:03 PM	#5
wwhopper Advanced Member Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Taxation without Representation Washington, DC, USA. The Most Segway Friendly City In America! Posts: 2,013	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. __________________ Will W Hopper DCSEG Washington, DC, U.S.A. America's Most Segway Friendly City

02-05-2007, 05:54 PM	#6
boggabri New Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Posts: 3	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

02-05-2007, 06:29 PM	#7
singman Member Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: , , . Posts: 117	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!!

02-07-2007, 12:29 AM	#8
Desert_Seg Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Posts: 1,425	Just a bump Anybody else with info? Steven __________________ “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it's the only thing that ever has.”-- Margaret Mead

02-07-2007, 06:10 PM	#9
SidewalkSkimmer New Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Beaverton, OR Posts: 4	Mass Transit in Portland, Oregon Here in Portland, Oregon, Segways are permitted on our light rail system ("Max") pretty much subject to the same rules as bikes. (i.e., roll it on and off, etc.) They are not permitted on buses unless you are disabled, and then obviously only on buses properly equipped for wheelchairs. I've made a number of trips in and out of downtown Portland via Max, and it really couldn't be easier.

02-07-2007, 08:36 PM	#10
cmonkey Member Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Orange, CA, USA. Posts: 610	Los Angeles Metrolink and MTA Metrolink may be up to something. I have a voicemail that I've kept on my phone, (to play to conductors not in the know) from a Christine in passenger services from Metrolink. In her message, "Policy states that Segways are ok but must be secured with the bike straps on the lower level of the train, and they may not be ridden on the platform; any further questions and I can call the customer service # @ 800-371-5465." Well, I rode the metrolink again yesterday, and now one conductor asked me if I was hancicapped, and that only hadicapped users are allowed to bring segways on board. And another metrolink employee said they recently changed the rules, but he wasn't sure because they kept changing their minds. So I find the customer service bldg.... (but oops, it's the MTA the subway and bus folks) and I call their customer service line and find out segways are allowed on the MTA Rail cars. I didn't ask about the busses since i never use them. The call took a while because the customer service rep had to go up three levels to a VP to get the answer. __________________ I love my magic carpet! Yahoo Group - SEGOC http://groups.yahoo.com/group/segoc/

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