UBC Accessibility Shuttle
May 2, 2018
2 mins read

Introducing the UBC Accessibility Shuttle

UBC's campus is huge. In fact, it’s sort of like a small city, and getting around can be tough. For people who have mobility concerns, going from A to B can be especially challenging.

Just imagine having a broken leg and trying to get from Vanier to Buchanan on your crutches. Or maybe you’ve got grandparents in town and walking from the bus stop to the Rose Garden just isn’t in the cards.

Luckily, getting around campus is about to get a little easier for people with mobility challenges with the launch of the new Accessibility Shuttle.

What is it?

The Accessibility Shuttle is a small electric vehicle - similar to a large golf cart - with windows, doors, and a roof to protect passengers from the weather. It can seat up to three people, plus the driver, and is wheelchair-accessible.

The shuttle will help people with mobility concerns get to and from the UBC pedestrian zone at designated stops. The shuttle service is being launched as a pilot (lasting for the next 6 months to a year) to test the demand, the route, and the travel times.

Who can use it?

The shuttle is available to all students, staff, faculty members, and visitors to the UBC Point Grey campus who have permanent or temporary mobility concerns, or who cannot walk long distances. 

How does it work?

The shuttle connects the North, Fraser, West, and Health Sciences parkades with the UBC pedestrian core - a.k.a the busiest part of campus.

Simply schedule a pickup at a specific stop, and it will take you to the stop closest to your destination. Because of the vehicle’s unique design, it can drive in places where regular motor vehicles can’t fit or are prohibited.

What are the hours of operation?

The shuttle will operate Monday to Friday from 7:30 am to 7:30 pm during the pilot period.

How do I schedule a ride?

Scheduling a ride is pretty easy.

  • Call or leave a voice message at 604.822.9929 by 6:00 pm the day before you need the ride.

  • Either speak with a dispatcher or wait for a call back to confirm your ride.

  • You’ll be given a 15-minute pick-up window, so make sure you’re there on time (the shuttle will wait for you a maximum of 5 minutes, depending on rider demand).

From A to B to UBC

If you have a permanent or temporary mobility concern, you can use the UBC Accessibility Shuttle to get to and from the pedestrian zone on campus. Make use of this great service that is making our campus more accessible.