Northern Health Connections operates custom-built coach buses and mini-buses. The buses have many standard amenities and additional built-in features for passenger comfort and convenience.

Coach Buses

• Overhead closed luggage compartments
• Overhead LED reading light and call button
• Individual air-conditioning vents
• 110V AC outlet at each seat for laptops and other needs
• Five overhead video screens and on board DVD player* 
• In-seat audio system offering a choice of three satellite radio stations* 
• Room for up to four wheelchair passengers
• Wheelchair accessible washrooms (A first in North America) with baby changing table

Mini Buses

• Overhead luggage storage
• Overhead reading lights and driver-alert pull cord
• Satellite radio
• Five overhead video screens and on-board DVD/VHS player*
• Room for two wheelchair passengers

(*please bring your own standard audio headset)

Both coach buses and mini-buses are also equipped with wheelchair lifts and tie-downs. The wheelchair-accessible washroom on board the coach buses can be used when the vehicle is stopped. The NH Connections coach buses are the first in North America to offer this feature.

Northern Health is committed to providing a fully accessible service.

All NH Connections buses are wheelchair accessible and are equipped with suitable tie-downs. The coach buses have four wheelchair spaces while the minibuses have two.

Northern Health is fully committed to providing an accessible service, but acknowledges that not all wheelchairs can be accommodated on board the bus. Wheelchairs that are larger than 31” wide and 48” long can not be accommodated.

Patients who use wheelchairs are encouraged to take advantage of the policy on companions, which allows patients to have someone accompany them on their trip.

Washrooms

The coach buses each have a washroom at the back of the bus. NH Connections buses are the first in North America to have wheelchair accessible washrooms that meet the American Disability Association's standard for inter-city rail cars.

For more information on wheelchair accessibility and the use of the coach bus wheelchair washroom contact 1-888-647-4997.

• Ensure that they are physically able to travel before they take the bus
  • Regulations do not allow for a medical attendant on the bus so it would be unsafe for passengers who are not physically able to travel to be on the bus. Patients who need ongoing medical care during travel should be transported with BCAS resources.
• Contact their booking agent to cancel their reservation if they are unable to take the bus
  • Failure to use a reserved seat means that another patient may be denied the opportunity to travel for a needed health care service.
• Ensure they have sufficient funds to cover the cost of the fare at the time of departure
  • Passengers will not be allowed on the bus if they do not pay their fare.
• Not be under the influence of alcohol or illegal drugs while on the bus
  • Northern Health and Diversified Transportation Ltd. have a zero tolerance policy towards the use of alcohol.
• Refrain from smoking while onboard the bus
  • Federal law prohibits smoking on board.
• Follow the instructions of the bus driver at all times
• Be considerate of their fellow passengers at all times by behaving in a respectful manner.

By boarding a NH Connections bus, passengers agree to follow the code of conduct. Passengers who use the services provided by the NH Connections program are responsible to use them as they are intended.

Patients found to be in violation of the Code of Conduct may be prohibited from using the service on either a temporary or permanent basis. Northern Health reserves the right to immediately prohibit any individual from using NH Connections if their actions present a threat to the safety of others.

Your privacy is important to us.

Reservations for the NH Connections travel service require an Appointment Verification Form (sample below)  to confirm that a patient attended an appointment with a physician or other health care professional.

NH Connections does not require information on the nature of the appointment  or procedure a patient is seeking.

Patients must have an appointment verification form completed  to use NH Connections. This form ensures that patients are using NH Connections to access health care services, and not for other reasons.

Patients receive this form when boarding the NH Connections bus. After you have filled out this form, the health care provider at your destination will need to sign and stamp it.