While exploring full size vans with side or rear entry ramp conversions, you will discover there are a handful of options. You may discover the Community Shuttle van made by Creative Carriage. Creative Carriage’s Community Shuttle may look like the MoveMobility P6 accessible van, but there are several differences that you should know.
At MoveMobility, we understand that your organization may consider more than one van platform before you make a decision. In the transit world, there is emphasis on making transit accessible for all riders. Many transport providers prefer a side or rear entry ramp system. This is because a ramp is quick and easy to deploy compared to a hydraulic lift.
In this article, we’ll do an in-depth comparison of the Creative Carriage Community Shuttle and the MoveMobility P Series.
Disclaimer: References to Creative Carriage are for illustrative and educational purposes only, based on information made publicly available online. We are not affiliated with or sponsored by Creative Carriage.
Creative Carriage provides a range of low floor vehicles. MoveMobility is a wheelchair accessible van manufacturer that focuses on innovative, barrier-free van designs.
Creative Carriage Community Shuttle vs. MoveMobility P Series
To compare the Creative Carriage Community Shuttle van to the MoveMobility P Series, we will cover key factors to help you decide which accessible van is right for your program:
- The conversion
- Passenger capacity
- Flexibility
- Rider experience
- Safety
The Community Shuttle is available in two models: CS-1 (Rear Entry) and CS-2 (Dual Entry).
The P Series is available in three models: Side Entry, Rear Entry, and Dual Entry.
Community Shuttle vs. P Series Conversion
| Conversion | Community Shuttle | P Series |
|---|---|---|
| Structure | Undercoated stainless steel lowered floor frame structure; extensive frame modifications | Minimal modifications to OEM vehicle frame Level floor; floor is not lowered Maintains the van’s structural integrity |
| Floor | Marine grade plywood subfloor, similar to cutaway bus | AutoFloor aluminum floor for durability and longevity |
| Ramp | Side entry manual infloor ramp Rear entry manual fold-out ramp Dual entry available on CS-2 model | Side entry powered ramp or rear entry powered ramp Dual entry available on P6 model Manual ramp options available |
| Doors | Powered bi-fold doors | Powered bi-fold doors, operated from driver dash or external switches |
| Seating | Freedman GO and Feather Weight seating options | SmartSeat removeable seats on wheels; non-removeable seat options available |
| Steps | No steps to enter the van; walk-on riders must use one step to access their seat | No steps (barrier-free) |
| Interior finishing | OEM styling | OEM styling |
Next, let’s compare the interior space that each van offers:
| Conversion Dimension | Community Shuttle | P4 (most common P Series model) |
|---|---|---|
| Bi-fold doors entry height | 69″ | 69.5″ |
| Bi-fold doors entry width | 34″ | 41″ |
| Interior height at seat level | Unknown, floor is lowered | 74.25″ |
| Overall interior length | 134″ | 142″ |
| Overall interior width | Unknown, floor is lowered | 72″ |
| Ramp width | 34″ | 34″ |
Community Shuttle vs. P Series Passenger Capacity
The Creative Carriage Community Shuttle and the MoveMobility P Series are built on the same van chassis: the Ram Promaster. Because of this, you may think that the passenger capacity is the same. However, that is not the case. The P Series vans use a variety of Promaster models to accommodate different needs.
The Ram Promaster 2500 GVWR is 8,900 lbs. No more than 10 persons should ride in the vehicle at one time.
| Community Shuttle | P Series | |
|---|---|---|
| Wheelchairs | Up to 3 | Up to 3 |
| Ambulatory passengers | Up to 8, including driver | Up to 10, including driver |
Community Shuttle vs. P Series Flexibility
Now that we have discussed the details of the van conversions, let’s look at how the vans compare in terms of useability and the ability to adapt to your organization’s needs for wheelchair and walk-on passengers.
| Community Shuttle | P Series | |
|---|---|---|
| Floorplans | Predetermined floorplans include: 7 Passengers + 2 Wheelchairs 6 Passengers + 2 Wheelchairs 4 Passengers + 3 Wheelchairs | No set floorplans; users have the full flexibility to add and remove seats, and change seat and wheelchair layouts on the go. Most common layout is 8 Passengers + 2 Wheelchairs. |
| Seats | Not designed to be rearranged; some seats may be foldable | Seats are available as removeable, fixed, and over-wheel arch. |
| Wheelchair positions | Transport up to 3 wheelchairs depending on your chosen floorplan | Transport up to 3 wheelchairs in any configuration with or without a combination of seats |
Community Shuttle vs. P Series Rider Experience
| Community Shuttle | P Series | |
|---|---|---|
| Mobility users (wheelchairs, walkers, mobility devices) | Wheelchairs are secured in the lowered channel section of the floor | Wheelchairs are secured anywhere along the floor track system. Floor is level, allowing all passengers to enjoy the window views. |
| Ambulatory passengers | Passengers walk into van and may need to use a step to take their seat Yellow assist handles provided to help with mobility while entering and exiting the van | No steps required for walk-on passengers to access seats; “barrier-free” Yellow assist handles provided to help with mobility while entering and exiting the van |
Community Shuttle vs. P Series Safety
At MoveMobility, we take the safety of your drivers and passengers seriously. Therefore, we will not allow the purchase of an accessible vehicle that would compromise your rider’s safety or wellbeing. There are several factors to consider when it comes to van safety and the liability you carry as a transport provider, including:
- What is the maximum number of passengers you can transport?
- Are you aware of how your vehicle’s passenger capacity could affect your liability in the event of an accident?
| Community Shuttle | P Series | |
|---|---|---|
| CMVSS Compliant | Yes | Yes |
| D409 Compliant | Yes | Yes |
MoveMobility’s P Series conversion design and floorplans are configured for a maximum of 10 persons at one time.
If you are in the market for commercial wheelchair accessible vans, we can help you become aware of federal and provincial vehicle requirements around passenger capacity and liability.
Conclusion: Creative Carriage Community Shuttle vs. MoveMobility P Series
Overall, the Creative Carriage Community Shuttle van is a great option for programs in which drivers prefer a manual ramp that they deploy by hand. To access ambulatory seats, walk-on riders may need to step up onto another floor level. Furthermore, wheelchair positions are provided in the lowered channel area of the floor only. Mobility riders may struggle to enjoy visibility out the windows.
MoveMobility’s P4 is a purpose-built accessible van that gives all passengers a barrier-free experience. The van’s AutoFloor gives users full flexibility with seat and wheelchair configurations.
Now that you have compared the Creative Carriage Community Shuttle to the MoveMobility P Series vans, you may have a better idea of which van is best suited for your organization.
If you still aren’t sure what type of accessible van your program needs, contact us at 844-951-3808 or by using the button below:
If you’d like to learn more about what to consider when buying a mobility van for your organization, visit our Resource Centre.
