General |
General Information
OverviewThis section of the ADA and Transit Portal covers the general aspects of the accessibility of transit services to people with disabilities. The categories shown in the navigation area at the left side of this page will lead you to resources that focus on more specific elements of the ADA and Transit. The following resources are broader in nature. We also include a section below on Rural Transit Issues. Achieving Transit Access: An Action Guide (MTC 2011)This guide presents a step-by-step process that any group can utilize to negotiate with transit agencies to achieve ADA compliance. It provides practical, straightforward suggestions on how to organize an action coalition, conduct research, prepare documentation, develop strategies, host meetings, file FTA and DOJ complaints, hold a public forum, utilize the media, stage a peaceful protest and file a class action lawsuit. The guide is complemented with a case study highlighting Jackson, Mississippi where transit riders with disabilities and an independent living center joined forces to resolve an inaccessible transit situation in their community. This campaign culminated with a class action lawsuit, Crawford et al. v. City of Jackson Public Transportation System (JATRAN).
The Riders’ Guide to Public Transit for People with Disabilities: Fixed Route and ADA Complementary Paratransit (MTC 2010)
This guide provides a comprehensive overview of the ADA requirements for fixed route and ADA complementary paratransit. In clear and direct language, riders with disabilities are guided through everything they need to know to successfully access these systems. Riders’ rights and responsibilities are included as well as useful tips. The Current State of Transportation for People with Disabilities in the United StatesCurrent State of Transportation for People with Disabilities in the United States Transportation Technical Assistance ManualTransportation Technical Assistance Manual ADA Transportation Series (DBTAC)These documents provide basic information about transportation systems in the form of answers to frequently asked questions. They have not been reviewed by the Department of Justice for legal sufficiency.
The Americans with Disabilities Act: The Federal Transit Administration's Letters of Findings and Compliance Assessments (Brown Jul 2007)FTA Interpretation of the ADA Impact of the Americans with Disabilities Act on Transit Operations (Transportation Research Board Aug 2003)Impact of the Americans with Disabilities Act on Transit Operations Rural Transit
Accessible Transportation in Rural Areas: An Easter Seals Project ACTION Resource Sheet (2003)This Resource Sheet examines accessible transportation strategies for rural areas including: coordinated systems, volunteer networks, vouchers, and flex routes. It concludes with contact information for organizations currently working on rural transportation issues. Progress Toward Equity in Rural Transportation - Policy Brief (Rural Institute 2006) Ruralfacts: Rural Transportation (Rural Institute 1998) Service Animals
Frequently Asked Questions about Service Animals (Project ACTION 2007)
This short booklet, revised in April 2007, answers common questions about service animals in the context of ground transportation for both people traveling with service animals and transportation providers. In recognition of the critical role that service animals play in the independent travel of people with disabilities, this document was developed based on the Americans with Disabilities Act and it stipulates about the rights and responsibilities of people traveling with service animals. It also addresses policies and practices of transportation providers, going above and beyond the ADA's regulatory obligations to provide good customer services. Transit drivers and people traveling with service animals will want to have a copy of this clear and informative booklet handy for reference. |