a vehicle access system for moving a passenger between the vehicle and ground . some embodiments have an electrical system , a motive source coupled to the electrical system , an arm coupled to the motive source , a platform coupled to the arm , and a safety restraint system coupled to the electrical system and the platform . the vehicle access system has at least a vehicle access position and a ground access position , wherein the passenger can safely access the platform at either access position . the platform is unable to move from either access position until the safety restraint system is in place . once operation of the access system has begun , it can continue to operate and move the passenger to one of the access positions even if the safety restraint system is subsequently removed .