BridgeMAIT assisted transportation service operates a fleet of vehicles specifically designed for transporting wheelchair users to and from the airport.
Requirements for Airport Transfers for Wheelchair Users
When providing airport transportation for wheelchair users
- Wheelchair users and their companions can board and disembark safely, securely, and quickly at the airport drop-off area
- Passengers can travel in comfort without compromising functionality or comfort, even when carrying a lot of luggage
- The vehicle has minimal side-to-side sway and vibration, allowing passengers with conditions such as spinal cord injuries to travel with minimal stress
In many cases, these requirements must be met simultaneously; in particular, standard vans are originally designed as commercial cargo vehicles, so they may lack ride comfort and interior space when used as-is.
To address these challenges, our company has rationally designed and implemented the following structural mechanisms in compliance with the Road Transport Vehicle Act.
- The Toyota HiAce Wide Super Long Body (Well Cab) with its spacious interior
- 4WD drivetrain + LSD (a device that stabilizes power delivery), ideal for safe driving in bad weather and on rough roads
- Suspension system that controls the vehicle's natural frequency and amplitude
- A seating arrangement that allows passengers to board comfortably even when the vehicle is fully loaded
Comparison of Vehicles Used for Airport Transfers for Wheelchair Users
Let’s compare Wheelchair Accessible Private Transfer —specifically, BridgeMAITWheelchair Accessible Private Transfer —with the standard vans Wheelchair Accessible Private Transfer. However, we have excluded Universal Design "UD" Taxi (JPN Taxis) from this comparison.
- Vehicle Profiles for Comparison
| Comparison Criteria | BridgeMAIT vehicle | Standard HiAce | Standard Caravan |
|---|---|---|---|
| Base vehicle | Toyota HiAce 200 Series (Well Cab) | Toyota HiAce 200 Series | Nissan Caravan E26 Series (Chair Cab) |
| Body Dimensions | Wide, Super Long, High Roof | Standard width, long, high roof | Standard Width, Super Long, High Roof |
| Interior Area | 約7.3㎡ | 約4.6㎡ | 約5.3㎡ |
Safe Driving Performance for Wheelchair Users
- Wheelchair users sit higher inside the vehicle than typical passengers, and because they are supported by the mechanical structure of the wheelchair between themselves and the vehicle body, they are more sensitive to the instability the vehicle experiences on the road surface than typical passengers.
- In particular, when driving on expressways in adverse weather conditions—such as rain, snow, or strong winds—drivers may feel anxious or stressed unless they can keep the vehicle as stable as possible. There are limits to what a driver’s skill and attention alone can achieve.
- BridgeMAITEquipped with a 4WD drivetrain, an LSD mechanism to stabilize traction, and tires with excellent water drainage, this vehicle features a rugged and safe driving design that sets it apart from standard vans.
| Comparison Criteria | BridgeMAIT vehicle | Standard HiAce | Standard Caravan |
|---|---|---|---|
| Off-Road Capability in Adverse Weather and Rough Terrain | Designed for inclement weather and rough terrain (4WD) | No action required (2WD) | No action required (2WD) |
| Drive Stabilization | Advantageous in low-traction conditions (torque-sensing LSD) | No modification (open differential) | No modification (open differential) |
| Tire Characteristics | High Load Capacity + Drainage | High Load Capacity + Cost-Effectiveness | High Load Capacity + Cost-Effectiveness |
| Straight-Line Stability and Crosswind Stability Control | Rear Stabilizer | No action taken | No action taken |
| Safety Summary | Designed to be less susceptible to adverse weather and road conditions, providing a stable ride on the highway | A design that is susceptible to adverse weather and poor road conditions, causing anxiety when driving on the highway | A design that is susceptible to adverse weather and poor road conditions, causing anxiety when driving on the highway |
Functionality as an airport shuttle vehicle for wheelchair users
- It is essential to safely and promptly assist wheelchair users—who are often exhausted from long flights—onto the train and securely fasten their wheelchairs. Furthermore, even when passengers are carrying a large amount of luggage, there must be sufficient space on board for everyone, including wheelchair users, to relax comfortably.
- BridgeMAITThe vehicle has an interior area that is at least 2 square meters larger than that of a standard van, and the area for the wheelchair lift platform and the boarding/alighting area for accompanying passengers is also at least 20 percent larger.
- Unless specifically requested in advance, we make every effort to avoid carrying large items such as stretchers, oxygen tanks, and specialized medical equipment. Instead, we prioritize items that general travelers typically need—such as space for large suitcases, 100V/220V power outlets, and electronic devices—to enhance the vehicle’s functionality.
| Comparison Criteria | BridgeMAIT vehicle | Standard HiAce | Standard Caravan |
|---|---|---|---|
| Number of passengers | 2 people in wheelchairs 4 people who can walk | 2 wheelchair users 7 people who can walk | 2 wheelchair users 8 people who can walk |
| Cargo area: (excluding the seating area) | Approx. 2.1 m³ 18 extra-large suitcases | Approx. 0.8 m³ 6 extra-large suitcases | Approx. 0.7 m³ 7 extra-large suitcases |
| Wheelchair lift platform area | 約1.1㎡ | 約0.8㎡ | 約0.6㎡ |
| Area of the Tour Guide Boarding/Alighting Area | 約1.6㎡ | 約1.3㎡ | 約1.1㎡ |
| Side step area | 約0.3㎡ | 約0.2㎡ | 約0.1㎡ |
| Power Supply | 2000W (100V/220V) No limit on continuous use | Less than 1000W (100V) Continuous use restricted | Less than 1000W (100V) Continuous use restricted |
| Information technology equipment | Ceiling Monitor Free Wi-Fi In-car Public Address Microphone | Free Wi-Fi only | Free Wi-Fi only |
| Considerations for Livability | Minimizing onboard equipment to prioritize passenger space | Onboard equipment is encroaching on passenger space | Onboard equipment is encroaching on passenger space |
| Summary of Features | Baggage loading and unloading, as well as passenger boarding and deplaning, are quick and efficient The aircraft has a high baggage capacity | Baggage loading and unloading, as well as passenger boarding and disembarking, are within acceptable limits Baggage capacity is low | Baggage loading and unloading, as well as passenger boarding and disembarking, are within acceptable limits Baggage capacity is low |
Living Spaces for Wheelchair Users
- It goes without saying that wheelchair users experience greater physical strain and stress from the vehicle’s up-and-down, side-to-side, and jolting movements than regular passengers do.
- People with conditions such as spinal cord injuries—where high levels of vibration acceleration place a significant strain on the body—must exercise particular caution when driving on highways. The energy generated by road bumps is nearly double at highway speeds of 80 km/h or higher compared to typical urban driving speeds of 60 km/h or less.
- BridgeMAITWith the aim of reducing the physical strain on wheelchair users during high-speed driving, the vehicle’s suspension system and interior space have been completely redesigned from those of a standard van. The suspension system has been optimized through a comprehensive analysis of factors such as spring rates, shock absorber damping rates, frame torsional rigidity, tire pressure, and maximum load capacity.
| Comparison Criteria | BridgeMAIT vehicle | Standard HiAce | Standard Caravan |
|---|---|---|---|
| A sense of openness in the room | Removing the second-row seats creates a much more spacious feel | There's no sense of openness because there are so many seats | There's no sense of openness because there are so many seats |
(converted value per seat) | 約1.4㎥ | 約0.7㎥ | 約0.8㎥ |
| Roll Suppression | Rear Stabilizer Installation | No action taken | No action taken |
| Upward-Strike Buffer | Shock Absorber Replacement | No action required (for cargo) | No action required (for cargo) |
| Softness and Smoothness | Replacing Leaf Springs | No action required (for cargo) | No action required (for cargo) |
| Summary of Comfort | Spacious interior Smooth ride with minimal vibration Passenger car-like ride | Cramped living spaces Bounce and roll Ride quality of commercial trucks | Cramped living space Front-to-back pitch and roll Ride quality of commercial trucks |
BridgeMAIT vehicles are,
- Safe Driving Performance for Wheelchair Users
- Functionality as an airport shuttle vehicle for wheelchair users
- Living Spaces for Wheelchair Users
Our design prioritizes the needs of wheelchair users, aiming to make airport transfers and long-distance travel with heavy luggage more comfortable and safe.