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Improving Accessibility in Available Modes of Transportation

Since the passage of the ADA, transportation providers have had an obligation to provide accessible transportation. This mandate covers buses, trains, planes, and private services such as taxis, as well as companies such as Greyhound and other tour bus operators. In general, the bus industry has moved to a low floor vehicle design which makes boarding dramatically easier for all riders and reduces the time it takes for people to get on and off. These vehicles are usually ramp-equipped in such a manner that even in cases of mechanical malfunction, the driver can unfold the ramp manually. 

Government and Non-Profit Programs

  • A Federally funded national interagency initiative, United We Ride, that supports States and their localities in developing coordinated human service delivery systems.
  • Many states have multiple Regional Transportation Agencies (RTAS). In smaller states, such as Maryland or Rhode Island, there may only be 1 RTA for the whole state. In many cases, the RTA is a department within the state department of transportation or is within the county government.
  • Where the state or county has provided public transit, most of the buses, if not all, should have ramps or wheelchair lifts for people who are unable to climb stairs. In parallel, the agency may provide a paratransit service which operates door-to-door and usually requires booking days in advance. In general this is reserved for individuals who, for medical reasons, cannot use public transit or the transit system is inaccessible.
  • In suburban and rural areas, public transit may be hard to find. In these locations non-profit organizations such as United Way, elder service agencies or United Cerebral Palsy, as well as faith-based groups may provide transit or accessible vehicle transportation.
  • Survivors who are Medicare/Medicaid eligible may use medical transport or ambulance services for doctor’s appointments and other medically necessary trips. Medicaid covers some non-emergency transport for people with disabilities.

Tips for the Private Sector

  • For agencies who wish to purchase their own lift or ramp equipped vans or mini vans there are several companies such as Ride Away This link will open a new browser window., Braun and Ricon that offer stock US and foreign made vehicles with raised roofs. These companies also offer customized vehicles depending on the needs of the purchaser. Most also sell used vehicles.
  • For larger vehicles the major bus and truck manufacturers offer a wide range of accessible vehicles. The APTA website is a great place to look for links: Vehicles and System Technology Links This link will open a new browser window.