First Transit announced the Safe Wheels Program, which is designed to improve safety for passengers utilizing a mobility aid device by providing a replacement for a passenger in the case their device may need repair.

The Safe Wheels Program provides a process for First Transit’s more than 12,000 drivers across North America to identify and evaluate replacement of a mobility aid device. Drivers can submit a nomination form on behalf of a passenger, the form is sent to First Transit’s local safety team for review. Upon approval, the passenger receives a new base model wheelchair at no cost.

First Transit provides paratransit services to more than eight million passengers and call center support for nearly 10 million trips annually.

In a soft launch of the First Transit Safe Wheels Program, 15 mobility aid devices have been replaced.