Center Aisle Vans and Shuttles
On this page: Raised Roof Shuttles, Standard Roof Shuttles, School Student Vans
Hotels, schools, camps, medical transportation providers and other shuttle van buyers are typically looking for an alternative to a 12 or 15 passenger van. Shuttle van buyers are looking for a vehicle that is more functional — easier to access and move around in.
VCI Mobility shuttle vans typically have a “center-aisle” so that passengers can walk down the middle of the shuttle van and sit on either side. The aisle also splits the passengers for greater comfort and manageability than when using bench-style seating where all passengers are required to sit right next to each other.
The need to step over wheelwells and the potential danger of getting tangled in hanging shoulder belts is eliminated in a center-aisle shuttle configuration. It also means that passengers with higher levels of mobility loss will still be able to use the shuttle van. Special care is taken to equip the passenger entry way in the best manner for all clientele.
For many applications, a driver-operated door and custom bus-style step are installed. Often, the roof and entry door will be raised to give additional headroom when entering and walking about the shuttle van. In other applications, such as camp or a school/youth program, where physical disability is not an issue, the shuttles will not have a raised roof and may only have a special seating layout with a side passenger running board step.
Raised-Roof Shuttles
The process of raising the roof on a shuttle van can greatly improve the comfort of staff and passengers. The ability to walk more upright makes everyone more comfortable and can be appreciated by all. Roofs can be raised in varying heights depending on what you are trying to accomplish. A raised roof also opens the option of adding raised doors so that the overall entry and exit of the van of the van shuttle is greatly improved.
VCI Mobility raised roof shuttles can include:
- 20”, 24” or 30” Insulated Raised Roofs with FMVSS Support Cages
- Center-Aisle Seating for 7-14 Passengers
- Attractive and Durable Insulated Interior in ABS Plastic, Vinyl or Cloth with Substantial and Appropriate Interior Lighting
- Latching, Bulkhead Storage Compartment Over Driver and Front Passenger Seats
- Heavy-Duty Transit Flooring on a Durable Sub-Floor
Standard Roof Shuttles
For many applications, a raised roof is either not necessary, or even undesirable. VCI Mobility builds many shuttles on a standard van platform without raising the roof — keeping both the profile, and the budget, lower.
Standard roof shuttles allow our customers to get the ease-of-use and performance benefits of a center-aisle van at a price and profile that is what they need.
Standard roof shuttles can be built on regular or extended length van chassis and typically are configured for between 7 and 14 passengers. VCI Mobility standard roof shuttles typically include:
- Center-Aisle Seating for 7-14 Passengers
- Attractive and Durable Insulated Interior with ABS Plastic, Vinyl or Cloth and Appropriate Interior Lighting
- Heavy-Duty Transit Flooring on a Durable Sub-Floor
- Auxiliary Rear Heat and Air Conditioning
School Student Vans
One of the most common uses of standard or low-roof shuttles is for school student transportation. School student vans are a specialty of VCI Mobility, and we have been building them for over 10 years.
One important note about school student vans is that nine (9) passengers plus a driver for a total of 10 total occupants is the maximum allowed. In addition, the vehicle must be certified as a multi-purpose passenger vehicle (MPV) in order to qualify for school student van usage.
School regulations also require that wheelchair positions count as four passengers — even though there is only one actual person. Special floor plans have been devised in order to ensure the maximum in total occupants is achieved without going over the limit.
Contact one of our mobility specialists for more information about school transportation