Broda Traversa Transport — Reclined Stretcher Comfort for Less Than a Gurney
Last updated: March 2026
The recline wheelchair that handles 90% of trips that would typically require a stretcher — for less than a gurney ride. WC19 crash-tested, 450 lb capacity, 90-degree recline, door-to-door service. Call (708) 505-6994 for an upfront quote.
What Is the Broda Traversa?
The Broda Traversa is a WC19 crash-tested transport wheelchair built for patients who need more body support than a standard wheelchair provides but who do not need to lie flat on a stretcher. It occupies the critical middle ground between wheelchair and stretcher transport — delivering stretcher-level comfort for less than a gurney ride: a Broda ride is a stretcher ride, $350 base instead of $400.
The chair uses Comfort Tension Seating (CTS) technology — a breathable, hammock-style seat surface that distributes the patient's weight evenly across the entire seating area. Unlike rigid foam cushions that create pressure points, CTS conforms to the patient's body shape and eliminates the hot spots that cause skin breakdown during transport. For patients with pressure injury history or fragile skin, this feature alone can justify choosing Broda over a flat stretcher gurney.
The Traversa reclines up to 90 degrees from upright and tilts up to 20 degrees, giving operators the ability to position patients in nearly any angle between fully seated and near-flat. Height-adjustable push handles and an ergonomic hand brake give the operator precise control during loading and transport. Anti-tip devices on the rear prevent backward tipping during ramp ascent.
Key Broda Traversa Specifications
- Weight capacity: 450 lbs
- Recline range: 0 to 90 degrees
- Tilt range: 0 to 20 degrees
- Crash testing: WC19 certified (University of Michigan UMTRI)
- Seating: Comfort Tension Seating (CTS) — breathable, pressure-relieving
- Securement: Compatible with standard 4-point wheelchair tie-down systems
- Vehicle: Fits in standard ADA wheelchair vans — no ambulette required
- Safety: 5-point occupant harness, anti-tip devices, ergonomic hand brake
Because the Broda Traversa fits inside a standard ADA wheelchair van, it does not require the specialized ambulette vehicles used for stretcher transport. This eliminates the need for a two-operator crew and a dedicated stretcher vehicle — the two largest cost drivers in stretcher transport. The result: a Broda leg starts at $350 base plus $6.00 per mile after the first 5 miles, compared with $400 base for a gurney.
Who Needs Broda Traversa Transport?
Broda transport serves patients in the gap between standard wheelchair and stretcher — those who need recline, tilt, or full-body support but who can tolerate a seated position during transit.
Post-Surgical Patients
Recovering from surgery but not bedridden. Need recline support and cannot sit upright for 30+ minutes. Broda's 90-degree recline keeps the patient comfortable without requiring a flat stretcher.
Severe Arthritis
Painful to maintain an upright seated position. The Comfort Tension Seating distributes weight across the entire body, reducing joint pressure that rigid wheelchair seats create.
Spinal Conditions (Kyphosis, Scoliosis)
Patients with spinal curvature who cannot maintain a standard seated posture. The Broda's tilt and recline allow positioning that accommodates spinal deformity without a stretcher.
Bariatric Patients up to 450 lbs
Standard wheelchairs top out at 300 to 350 lbs. The Broda Traversa supports up to 450 lbs with CTS seating that prevents pressure injuries. For patients over 450 lbs, Dream Care Rides offers dedicated bariatric transport.
COPD and Respiratory Patients
Patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease breathe more easily in a semi-reclined position. Lying flat on a stretcher can worsen respiratory distress. The Broda's adjustable recline keeps airways open.
Hospital Discharge Patients
Too weak or deconditioned for a standard wheelchair after an inpatient stay but not sick enough to justify stretcher transport. The Broda provides the full-body support these patients need at discharge.
Dialysis Patients
Post-treatment fatigue makes sitting upright difficult for many dialysis patients. With 156 visits (312 legs) per year, using Broda instead of a gurney saves about $15,600 annually. Set up a standing order — call (708) 505-6994.
Cancer and Chemotherapy Patients
Chemo side effects including nausea, weakness, and fatigue make standard wheelchair transport difficult. Broda's recline and CTS seating provide full-body support for comfortable transport to and from treatment.
Broda Traversa vs. Stretcher Transport — Side-by-Side Comparison
For patients who do not medically require a flat, supine position, Broda Traversa transport delivers comparable comfort and safety for less than a gurney ride. Here is how the two options compare.
| Feature | Broda Traversa | Stretcher / Gurney |
|---|---|---|
| Base Rate (per leg) | $350 | $400 |
| Per Mile | $6.00/mi after the first 5 miles | $6.00/mi after the first 5 miles |
| Staff Required | 1 operator | 2 operators |
| Patient Position | Seated, reclined up to 90° | Lying flat |
| Weight Capacity | 450 lbs | Varies by equipment |
| Vehicle Required | Standard ADA wheelchair van | Dedicated stretcher ambulette |
| Crash Tested | WC19 certified (UMTRI) | Varies by manufacturer |
| Pressure Relief | CTS — eliminates pressure points | Flat mattress pad |
| Patient Dignity | Seated position — high dignity | Gurney — clinical setting |
| Booking | Same-day available | Often 24-48hr advance |
Pricing reflects Dream Care Rides Illinois rates. See full rate schedule for surcharges (weekends +$50 per leg, wait time $15/15 min (first 15 min free); major holidays add a fee shown before you book).
How Much Can Broda Transport Save You?
Why pay for a gurney when you do not need to lie flat? For patients who qualify, Broda Traversa transport delivers the same door-to-door service for $50 less per leg.
Single Leg (20 miles)
Gurney: ~$490
Broda: ~$440
Save $50 per leg
Monthly (Dialysis 3x/week)
Gurney: ~$12,740/mo
Broda: ~$11,440/mo
Save $1,300 per month
Annual (Dialysis 3x/week)
Gurney: ~$152,880/yr
Broda: ~$137,280/yr
Save $15,600 per year
Estimates are base + loaded mileage for 20-mile legs, two legs per dialysis visit (13 visits a month, 156 a year), before surcharges, empty-return (deadhead) miles and tolls. Actual costs depend on distance, time of day, and surcharges; your exact price shows before you book. Call (708) 505-6994 for exact pricing for your specific route and schedule.
Who Saves the Most with Broda Transport?
- Dialysis patients: 156 visits (312 legs) a year means every dollar per leg compounds. Switching from a gurney to Broda saves about $15,600 annually.
- Cancer patients on weekly chemo: 52 visits (104 legs) a year. Broda saves approximately $5,200/year compared to a gurney.
- Physical therapy patients: 2-3 sessions per week for 12 weeks = 48 to 72 legs. Broda saves $2,400 to $3,600 over a course of treatment compared to a gurney.
- Hospital discharge (one-time): A $50 saving on the leg home, plus a seated, reclined ride, make Broda the smart choice for post-surgical and post-inpatient discharges.
Safety and Certifications
Patients and families ask a fair question: if the Broda costs less than a gurney, is it as safe? The answer is yes — and in some respects, the Broda Traversa exceeds stretcher safety standards. Here is why.
WC19 Crash Testing
The Broda Traversa is tested and certified under ANSI/RESNA WC19, the standard for wheelchairs used as seats in motor vehicles. Testing is conducted at the University of Michigan Transportation Research Institute (UMTRI). WC19 certification means the chair, its securement points, and the occupant restraint system have been validated to protect the passenger in a frontal crash scenario. Not all stretcher gurneys carry this level of crash-test certification.
5-Point Occupant Harness
Every Broda Traversa includes a five-point occupant securement harness that keeps the patient safely positioned during transport. Combined with the four-point Q-Straint vehicle tie-down system used by Dream Care Rides, the patient and chair are secured at nine total attachment points. This exceeds the three-point seatbelt system used in standard stretcher transport.
Anti-Tip and Brake Systems
Rear anti-tip devices prevent backward tipping during ramp loading. The ergonomic hand brake gives the operator precise control on slopes and during patient transfer. Unlike stretcher gurneys that rely on wheel locks alone, the Broda's combined anti-tip and brake system provides continuous stability during loading, unloading, and transit.
Pressure Injury Prevention
Comfort Tension Seating (CTS) eliminates the hard contact points that cause skin breakdown during transport. For patients with existing pressure injuries, fragile skin, or history of decubitus ulcers, CTS provides superior skin protection compared to the flat foam mattress pads used on most stretcher gurneys. This makes Broda the safer choice for skin-compromised patients.
How to Book Broda Traversa Transport
1
Call (708) 505-6994 or book online
Contact Dream Care Rides by phone at (708) 505-6994 or visit dreamcarerides.com/booking. Tell the dispatcher your patient needs recline support during transport.
2
Describe the patient's condition
Provide details about mobility level, weight, and whether the patient can tolerate a semi-reclined seated position. This helps Dream Care Rides determine if Broda Traversa or stretcher transport is the right fit.
3
Receive equipment recommendation and upfront pricing
Dream Care Rides assesses the patient and recommends Broda Traversa ($350 base plus $6.00 per mile after the first 5 miles) or gurney stretcher transport ($400 base plus the same mileage). The quoted price is the final price with no hidden fees.
4
Confirmed ride with trained driver
Your driver arrives with the Broda Traversa chair, assists the patient from door to vehicle, secures the chair with Q-Straint tie-downs, and transports door-to-door to the destination.
When a Stretcher Is Still the Right Choice
Dream Care Rides will always recommend the safest transport option. The Broda Traversa is not appropriate for every patient. You still need stretcher transport if the patient:
- ✕Must remain completely flat (supine) during transport for medical reasons
- ✕Cannot tolerate any seated or semi-reclined position
- ✕Weighs more than 450 lbs (requires bariatric stretcher transport)
- ✕Has an unstable spinal injury or recent spinal surgery requiring immobilization
- ✕Is on active IV therapy or oxygen equipment that requires a stretcher-level setup
Not sure which option is right? Call (708) 505-6994 and describe the patient's condition. Dream Care Rides will recommend Broda or stretcher based on the clinical picture — never upselling to stretcher when Broda is appropriate, and never downgrading to Broda when the patient genuinely needs a stretcher.
Related Transport Services
Wheelchair Transport
Standard ADA wheelchair van transport for patients who can sit upright. Manual, power, and scooter. From $60 base + mileage.
Stretcher Transport
Flat gurney transport in a dedicated ambulette for patients who must remain supine. From $400 base + mileage.
Bariatric Transport
Heavy-duty transport for patients over 350 lbs requiring specialized equipment and wider vehicles.
Frequently Asked Questions About Broda Traversa Transport
What is a Broda Traversa chair?
The Broda Traversa is a WC19 crash-tested transport wheelchair designed for patients who need more positioning support than a standard wheelchair but do not require a flat stretcher. It features Comfort Tension Seating (CTS) technology, reclines up to 90 degrees, tilts 20 degrees, and supports patients up to 450 pounds. Dream Care Rides uses the Broda Traversa as a lower-cost alternative to a gurney for qualifying patients. Call (708) 505-6994 to ask whether Broda transport is right for your situation.
How is Broda transport different from stretcher transport?
Stretcher transport uses a flat gurney inside a dedicated ambulette vehicle and requires two operators. Broda Traversa transport uses a recline wheelchair inside a standard ADA wheelchair van with one operator. The patient sits in a supported, reclined position rather than lying flat. Broda transport costs $350 base compared to $400 for a gurney, with the same $6.00 per mile after the first 5 miles. For patients who can tolerate a semi-reclined seated position, Broda delivers the same comfort for less.
How much does Broda Traversa transport cost?
Broda Traversa transport through Dream Care Rides is priced as a stretcher ride with the Broda chair: $350 base plus $6.00 per mile after the first 5 miles, per one-way leg. For a typical 20-mile leg, base + loaded mileage comes to about $440, compared with about $490 on a gurney, before surcharges, empty-return (deadhead) miles and tolls. For recurring trips like dialysis (three times per week, two legs per visit), that $50-per-leg difference adds up to about $15,600 a year. Call (708) 505-6994 for an exact upfront quote.
Does the Broda chair recline fully flat?
The Broda Traversa reclines up to 90 degrees from upright and tilts up to 20 degrees. This provides a near-flat position that is sufficient for most patients who would otherwise use a stretcher. However, it does not lay completely flat like a stretcher gurney. Patients who medically require a fully flat, supine position during transport still need stretcher service. Dream Care Rides assesses each patient to recommend the right equipment. Call (708) 505-6994 and describe your patient's needs.
What is the weight limit for the Broda Traversa?
The Broda Traversa supports patients up to 450 pounds. This makes it suitable for many bariatric patients who would otherwise require a bariatric stretcher. Dream Care Rides also offers dedicated bariatric transportation for patients who exceed 450 pounds or who require additional space and equipment. Call (708) 505-6994 to discuss your patient's weight and mobility requirements.
Is Broda transport covered by Medicaid?
Dream Care Rides is primarily private pay. Medicaid accepted in select service areas — call (708) 505-6994 to check availability. Broda Traversa transport is priced as a stretcher ride, not at wheelchair rates: the $300 stretcher level fare plus the $50 Broda fee, so a $350 base plus $6.00 per mile after the first 5 miles, per one-way leg. Your exact price shows before you book.
Can the Broda chair fit in a regular wheelchair van?
Yes. The Broda Traversa is designed to fit inside standard ADA-compliant wheelchair vans using standard wheelchair securement systems. It does not require a specialized ambulette or stretcher vehicle. It uses the same fleet as wheelchair transport. Dream Care Rides secures the Broda chair using the same Q-Straint tie-down systems used for all wheelchair transport.
Is the Broda Traversa safe for transport?
The Broda Traversa is WC19 crash-tested at the University of Michigan Transportation Research Institute, the gold standard for wheelchair transport safety testing. It includes a five-point occupant securement harness, ergonomic hand brakes, anti-tip devices, and four-point vehicle tie-down compatibility. Dream Care Rides drivers are trained in Broda-specific securement protocols. The chair meets or exceeds safety requirements for non-emergency medical transport.
Who should use Broda transport instead of a stretcher?
Broda transport is appropriate for patients who need recline or tilt support but can tolerate a seated position. This includes post-surgical patients recovering but not bedridden, patients with severe arthritis or spinal conditions, bariatric patients up to 450 pounds, COPD patients who breathe better semi-reclined, dialysis patients experiencing post-treatment fatigue, and cancer patients needing full-body support during transport. A patient who has to be lifted or needs a two-person transfer rides on a gurney with our two-person crew instead — the Broda comes with one operator. Call (708) 505-6994 and describe the patient's condition — Dream Care Rides will recommend Broda or stretcher based on medical needs.
Does Dream Care Rides have Broda chairs available?
Yes. Dream Care Rides maintains Broda Traversa chairs as part of its wheelchair transport fleet. Broda availability is subject to scheduling — request Broda transport when you call (708) 505-6994 or note it during online booking at dreamcarerides.com/booking. For recurring appointments, set up a standing order to guarantee Broda availability for every trip without rebooking each week.
Choose Reclined Comfort When You Do Not Need to Lie Flat
Call Dream Care Rides at (708) 505-6994 to find out if Broda Traversa transport is right for your patient. Upfront pricing, same-day availability, and door-to-door service — for less than a gurney ride.
Dream Care Rides — 20000 Governors Dr Suite 103H, Olympia Fields, IL 60461
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