A. MINIMUM STANDARDS FOR VEHICLES
1. The Transportation Provider shall ensure that vehicles (both primary and backup) conform to all applicable state and federal statutes, regulations or standards, including, but not limited to the rules and regulations of the Agencies, the Broker, and the Registry of Motor Vehicles.
2. All vehicles used under the terms of the Transportation Provider Subcontract with Broker must: be garaged and registered in the state of the Broker contract; have passed inspection by the Registry of Motor Vehicles prior to being used under the Transportation Provider Subcontract with the Broker with written verification kept on file at the Transportation Provider�s offices; and be clearly identified with the corporate or business name affixed to the vehicle in a permanent or semipermanent manner in no less than two (2) inch high letters. One location of such name shall be on the right side of the passenger�s door, and any other location, as per requirements of the Registry of Motor Vehicles regulations. No advertising or other labeling is permitted while Consumers are in the vehicle unless specifically authorized by the Broker.� Vehicles must be maintained in good working order (including but not limited to brakes, tires, heater, windshield, wipers, defroster, speedometer, etc.) with an established preventive maintenance program and all necessary gasoline, oil, grease, and repairs furnished through the entire period of the Transportation Provider Subcontract with Broker; and be cleaned regularly and have exteriors which are free of grime, cracks, breaks, dents, and damaged paint that noticeably detracts from the overall appearance of the vehicle, in addition, passenger compartments must be clean and free from torn upholstery or floor coverings, damaged or broken seats, and protruding sharp edges. Vehicles must be equipped with: a seat with installed seat belts for every vehicle occupant (including driver and Monitor), which shall be in proper working order and accessible to the occupant. The Transportation Provider shall provide a seat belt cutter within easy reach of the driver, and seat belt extensions and seat belt covers, when needed. Mobile units shall be able to contact the base station at all times while Consumers are on board. The base station shall be manned while any vehicle is in transit and vehicles in transit and the base station must be able to communicate at all times.� A working air conditioning system of sufficient capacity to cool the entire vehicle (auxiliary air may be necessary );� a spare tire and jack (unless covered by vendor maintenance policy); a portable step (optional for lift equipped vehicles) � Stools should be made of high-strength material, preferably metal and have rubber tips on the bottom to prevent slipping on wet or icy pavement. The design must be satisfactory to both the Transportation Provider and the Agency; chock blocks, multifunctional fire extinguisher (universal class C, UL rated), flags, reflectors, and flashlight; and a first aid kit that meets the Red Cross family first aid kit standards plus a biohazard bag.
3. PROGRAM-BASED TRANSPORTATION ONLY
a. During the term of the Transportation Provider Subcontract with Broker, vehicles may not have a date of manufacture that is equal to or more than: (1), Five (5) years for vans, sedans & station wagons; and (2), Seven (7) years for wheelchair lift equipped vehicles and vehicles with seating capacity > 15.
b. Notwithstanding the provisions of 3.a. above, a Transportation Provider may submit to the Broker a formal written request for a vehicle age waiver along with proof of a state inspection sticker no older than 60 days from the date of the request. The Broker may grant waivers in six month increments for up to a maximum of two additional years of vehicle age, beyond the vehicle age limit set forth in subsection 3.a. above, as applicable, upon physical inspection and written approval by the Broker for each such request. Vehicles must pass a new� state inspection for each sixmonth waiver granted.
c. Notwithstanding the provisions of 3.a. above, for those vehicles undergoing conversion before initial use, the vehicle age may be calculated beginning from the date of registration after conversion (rather than date of manufacture), with documentation of the initial vehicle registration date kept readily available for inspection by the Broker.
d. Regardless of vehicle age, the Transportation Provider must comply with any instruction from the Broker to immediately remove a vehicle from services when deemed unsafe or unsuitable by the Broker.
B. NON-AMBULATORY VEHICLE (CHAIR CAR) ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS AND SECUREMENT STANDARDS
1.� Any vehicle used for Non-Ambulatory Transportation must be equipped with the following equipment specifications:
a. A hydraulic lift with manual backup operational capacity and/or retractable ramp;
b. A raised roof at least 12 inches high;
c. Raised side doors at least 54 inches high; and
d. Four securement straps, a lap belt and a shoulder belt assembly for each wheel chair. If the vehicle is equipped with a �locking bar� system, then only two securement straps are needed for that chair.
2. �Wheel chair securement requirements are as follows:
a. All wheel chairs must face forward in van;
b. All wheel chairs must be secured in the front and rear. If using a �locking bar� system, the front of the wheel chair must still be secured with straps;
c. All Consumers must be secured into their wheel chairs using the lap/shoulder belt assembly that works in conjunction with the securement system. The lap/shoulder belt assembly must be used in addition to any other wheel chair securement devices;
d. The use of table/tray attachments must not interfere with proper securement of Consumers by lap/shoulder belt assemblies. They must be removed if they prevent the Consumer from being properly secured; and
e. Do not use the shoulder belt if it extends across the Consumer�s neck or face, or if there is a medical condition that interferes with its proper use. (i.e., feeding or breathing tubes).