I weigh 620 - should I use the handicap lift on a bus that my drivers keep offering?

Question

At my current size (very round and wide at 6'3" and 620 pounds) I am a slow walker and have to be very careful when I get off and on my bus for work since it is easy to lose my balance as my weight shifts. Both bus drivers on my routes are very nice to me, save open bench seats so I can fit and keep offering me the use of the hydraulic handicap lift if I want. So far I have managed well. I usually get on and off last if there is a line so I don't hold anyone back and so they don't make any fat jokes. Since I keep getting offered the lift, I don't know if the drivers are just being nice or think it would be faster to put me on the lift. I have no problem walking on my own even if I am slow. It takes a lot to move this weight and I have to take my time.

Answer 1

sure why not if it is safe for you to do go for it

Answer 2

I don't think they are trying to hurry you up, they are thinking of your safety. You said yourself its easy for you to lose your balance and those steps getting on or off the bus could be tricky .  Perhaps they are thinking they'll get in trouble if you do slip and fall.

Answer 3

Hi troll.

Answer 4

nah just as long as you can get around by walking 0r get a car

Answer 5

I'm not at my work desk so I can't check the legislative requirements so easily. In the USA 49 CFR 37 & 38 pertain to accessibility issues on buses under ADA.

Part 38.159 specifes that lifts and ramps must be good for 600 lb load, so they'd probably cope with your current weight.

Canada has a similar set of requirements in a CSA standard.

(I work in the chassis certification department of the double-deck bus manufacturer who's currently doing reasonably well in selling to USA and Canada.)

Answer 6

Looking at a liability stand point, I am surprised that the bus drivers do not make you take the lift.

Being very serious, there is an increased probability you may fall and hurt yourself by using the regular stairs as compared to someone of normal girth.

However, I don't see it as an issue of you taking too long to get up the stairs since like ever other bus rider you are a patron of the bus, so take as long as you want to get to your seat.

Answer 7

any exercise is exercise at this point.  Keep on trucking up and down those stairs... and think about a diet, because you are killing yourself.