Wheelchair Bus Alternatives: P6 vs. T6 from MoveMobility

A wheelchair bus can be a hassle. 

From the high maintenance and repair costs, to the lack of temperature control and bumpy ride, a wheelchair bus can cause a lot of stress on organizations like yours. 

So, you need something that’s like a bus, but isn’t a bus. Something that isn’t too big or expensive to run, and also provides a quality rider experience. 

At MoveMobility, we have two options organization’s like yours use to replace their buses: the P6 and the T6. 

In this article, you’ll compare the P6 and the T6 to help you figure out which option is right for you. 

We understand that no two accessible transportation programs are the same, so as you review the information in this article, consider how the traits of each van apply directly to your program. 

Wheelchair bus alternatives: what’s the difference between the P6 and the T6?

While both the P6 and the T6 are popular options for accessible transportation providers downsizing from a large cut-away bus to a more efficient, flexible vehicle option, they do have a few major differences you need to consider before you pick one or the other. 

A general overview

View the chart below for an at-a-glance view of the differences between the P6 and the T6. 

* This depends on the chassis model. The T6 can be built on the Ford Transit 148 EXT Wheelbase Dual or Single Rear Wheel model. 

** Licensing requirements vary depending on the province you live in. Always verify your province’s legal requirements. Click here for an at-a-glance view of licensing requirements, province by province. 

Wheelchair and walk-on passenger access

The P6 and T6 conversions have different passenger access. 

Whether or not one or the other is right for you depends on your clients’ mobility and the types of wheelchairs used. 

Take a look at the chart below which shows the differences between wheelchair and walk-on passenger access for both conversions. 

Cost

The P6 and T6 are built on the Ram Promaster chassis and Ford Transit chassis and cost relatively the same amount, ranging from $130,000 – $180,000 depending on your configuration. See what makes up the cost of a wheelchair van here. 

For a detailed proposal from an account executive that includes the features and layout that suit your program, click here. 

Wheelchair bus alternatives: who are they right for?

The P6 and T6 offer different experiences for both riders and drivers. 

If your program needs a van that allows all passengers to enter quickly, the P6 may be the best fit. 

On the other hand, if your drivers and clients are more familiar with a cutaway bus, they may find the T6 layout more familiar. 

Check out the lists below to see which van is right for your organization. 

The P6 is right for: 

• On-demand community transit (dual entry makes loading and unloading passengers quick)
• Programs that need dual entry flexibility

The T6 is right for: 

• Programs that prefer a cutaway bus-style layout
• Programs requiring a capacity of 5 wheelchairs
• Programs downsizing from a cutaway bus who don’t want to lose the function or layout of one
• Programs that need lower bus operation costs, which the T6 achieves through the van chassis
• Programs that transport larger wheelchairs who need more room

Your next steps to choosing a wheelchair bus alternative that’s best for your organization

You came to this article to learn about the wheelchair bus alternatives we have here at MoveMobility, the P6 and the T6. 

Now, you know how they compare in terms of the vehicle itself, the cost, and who each option is generally right for. 

Still not sure which one is right for you? Talk to a MoveMobility expert today. 

Or, check out these related articles to continue your research journey: 

• Top 5 Problems with a Wheelchair Bus
• Wheelchair Van vs. Bus: Everything You Need to Know
• Rear Entry vs. Side Entry Full Size Wheelchair Vans (Pros & Cons)