Spaces for People with Reduced Mobility in Wheelchairs (PRM in wheelchairs)
As a general rule, our long-distance and regional Alsa services are accessible to PRM in wheelchairs as long as they are booked more than 36 hours in advance as stipulated by current legislation. In some cases, this advance booking limit is reduced to 24 hours in advance.
However, due to limitations in the infrastructure of some departure or destination stops, over which Alsa has no control, on certain routes we are unable to offer services accessible to PRM in wheelchairs. Our commitment is to advocate for the prompt adaptation of these spaces to be able to offer accessible services for all.
You can book your place for a wheelchair, transfer and companion on services identified with this symbol directly on our website, at ticket offices or by phone. Our main departure-destination services have at least one service identified in this way:
In any case, if you wish to travel on a schedule that does not have this symbol, please contact our ticket office or customer helpline (+34 91 020 7007) and they will make the necessary arrangements to provide you with the requested service or offer you an alternative that meets your needs.
The sale of tickets for wheelchair users offers the following alternatives:
It must be able to ascend/descend the lifting platform and be approved for being secured for travel:
- For this reason, the maximum admissible dimensions are 120 cm long x 70 cm wide; and the maximum weight, including the occupant, must not exceed 300 kg.
- In addition, to be able to secure it in place for travel, it must comply with the ISO 7176-19 standard and have a visible sticker or document accrediting this.
Example of a wheelchair sticker that DOES comply with the ISO 7176-19 standard
Example of a sticker warning that the wheelchair does NOT comply with this ISO standard
If your wheelchair fails to comply with any of these conditions, it must travel in the hold.
Depending on your travel needs, your booking may include:
1. Reservation of a space for PRM in wheelchairs on board, where your wheelchair will be secured in place. Depending on the preferences you indicate during the purchase, you may travel seated in it or transfer to a seat on the bus.
2. Transfer seat, at no additional cost. Due to the technical limitations of the vehicles, this seat is located on the other side of the aisle, in the position closest to the space for PRM in wheelchairs.
Please note:
- For the safety of both the passenger and Alsa staff, the transfer must be carried out by the passenger on their own or with the help of a companion.
- The distance to the seat and the height difference from the aisle to the level where the seats are located may vary depending on the model.
- Below you can see the general dimensions of the vehicle that is most commonly used on our long-distance lines.
3. Companion seat. If you need help transferring to the seat, Alsa offers a free ticket so that the person who will assist you in this process may accompany you. Your companion will be assigned the seat next to the transfer seat. For safety reasons, this companion must travel with you, in case you need assistance at stops along the way or in case of any unforeseen event during the service.
- The maximum dimensions of 140 cm long, 65 cm wide and 100 cm high to fit in the hold. Its maximum weight cannot exceed 100 kg.
Note: the driver will ask you about how your wheelchair should be handled in order to stow it in the hold correctly.
Depending on your travel needs, your booking may include:
1. Passenger seat. In order to facilitate your access and depending on the occupancy of the vehicle, you will preferably be assigned a seat in the front rows.
Clarification: The space for PRM in wheelchairs will not be available as the wheelchair will travel in the hold.
In addition, to facilitate boarding and disembarking with this mobility aid, we have auxiliary folding ramps at our main stations and offices that are automatically reserved at the time of ticket purchase.
2. Companion seat. If you need help boarding the vehicle by the steps, Alsa offers a free ticket so that you can take a companion with you to assist you.
Your companion will be assigned a seat next to yours. For safety reasons, this companion must travel with you, in case you need assistance at stops along the way or in case of any unforeseen event during the service.
These services for PRM in wheelchairs (travelling with your wheelchair in the space for PRM in wheelchairs or stowing it in the hold) will not incur any additional cost:
- The space for the wheelchair or the seat for the passenger is sold at the normal rate (or at a discounted rate depending on the discounts that may apply to the passenger).
- The transfer seat is reserved free of charge.
- The additional seat for a companion to assist you while transferring to your seat or boarding is 100% free of charge.
Please note: the reservation of these seats does not include assistance around the station, any kind of assistance on board, or assistance with eating or drinking, or with going to the toilet at stops.