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Advancing the Human & Civil Rights of People with Disabilities in Illinois

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FAQ

Man in a wheelchair boarding a busFind answers to frequently asked questions (FAQs) about transportation. Just click on a question below to read the answer or scroll down to read them all.

Does the Americans with Disabilities Act cover transportation?

Does the ADA require transportation for people with disabilities?

What about people who cannot ride fixed-route buses and trains?

What does the ADA require for public transit buses?

What does the ADA require with regard to stop announcements?

What about “over-the-road” buses like Greyhound and Trailways?

Does the ADA cover air transportation?

Where can I get more information about transportation and the ADA?

Does the Americans with Disabilities Act cover transportation?

Yes. Public transportation is covered under Title II Part B of the ADA, and private transportation is covered under Title III.

Does the ADA require transportation for people with disabilities?

The ADA does not require that public transportation be provided in every community. However, all public bus and rapid rail service must comply with ADA requirements for accessibility for people with disabilities. The ADA covers bus and rail vehicles, transportation facilities (rail stations, bus stops, etc.), and bus and rail service.

What about people who cannot ride fixed-route buses and trains?

Providers of public fixed-route bus and rapid rail service must also provide ADA paratransit service (origin-to-destination transportation for people with disabilities who cannot use the bus or rail system all or some of the time).

What does the ADA require for public transit buses?

All new fixed-route, public transit buses must be accessible.

What does the ADA require with regard to stop announcements?

The ADA requires transit agencies to announce stops on the bus and the train, as well as to identify bus and train routes at stops that serve more than one route. Stop and route identification announcements have great value for many riders with disabilities, including people who are blind.

What about “over-the-road” buses like Greyhound and Trailways?

Over-the-road buses must comply with ADA requirements. The ADA covers over-the-road buses, transportation facilities (bus stations, etc.) and bus service. This includes all fixed-route, charter, tour and other motor coach companies.

Service requirements that apply to all over-the-road bus service:

  • Cannot refuse to serve a person with a disability
  • Cannot charge higher fares or fees for carrying people with disabilities and their equipment
  • Must allow service animals to ride with passengers with disabilities
  • Must provide an accessible bus upon request and with 48 hours’ notice

Does the ADA cover air transportation?

No. Discrimination by air carriers in areas other than employment is covered by the Air Carrier Access Act. To file a complaint, go to:

http://www.dot.gov/airconsumer/file-consumer-complaint

Where can I get more information about transportation and the ADA?

The Department of Transportation enforces the transit provisions of the ADA. For more information or to file a complaint, contact:

U.S. Department of Transportation

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Last updated: September 30, 2020

This website is made possible by funding support from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, both the Administration on Developmental Disabilities and the Center for Mental Health Services of the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration; and the U.S. Department of Education, the Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services. The contents of this website are solely the responsibility of Equip for Equality and do not necessarily represent the official view of any of these agencies.

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