Multimodal Accessibility of Public Transportation Facilities, Vehicles, and Rights-of-Way
According to the National Transit Database, as of 2020 nearly 25% of all transit stations in the U.S. were not accessible. A significant but unknown number of roadways and sidewalks remain inaccessible due to the lack of curb cuts and other features. Our streets must be safe for everyone, regardless of age or ability.
All Stations Accessibility Program
As part of its comprehensive strategy to support accessibility across all modes of transportation, the All Stations Accessibility Program makes competitive funding available to assist in the financing of capital projects to repair, improve, modify, retrofit, or relocate infrastructure of stations or facilities for passenger use. Learn more about the All Stations Accessibility Program.
Disability Policy Priorities to Enable Safe and Accessible Multimodal Travel for Users with Disabilities
As part of DOT’s Disability Policy Priorities, adopted in July 2022 during a celebration of the anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Department has committed to the priority actions below to enable multimodal accessibility of public transportation facilities, vehicles, and rights-of-way to people with disabilities.
| DOT Priority | Goal |
|---|---|
| Issue NPRM and Final Rule on Accessibility Standards for Pedestrian Facilities in the Public Right-of-Way and promote awareness and adoption | People with disabilities can safely access roadways, sidewalks, and street crossings, reducing the number of pedestrian fatalities |
| Require State and local DOTs to complete ADA Transition Plans to eliminate legacy inaccessible infrastructure and work with them to implement ADA transition plans through formula and discretionary funding in the BIL | |
| Promote opportunities for infrastructure investment in rural and Tribal communities, where roadways, sidewalks, and street crossings may be in need of repair | |
| Issue NPRM and Final Rule on Equitable Access to Transit Facilities, updating minimum guidelines | People with disabilities can reliably access all public transit rail stations and facilities, increasing independent travel |
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Issue NPRM and Final Rule updating the ADA Transportation Service provisions in 49 CFR Part 37 |
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Issue NPRM and Final Rule adopting the Access Board’s Accessibility Standards for Buses and Vans into 49 CFR Part 38 |
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| Make legacy transit rail stations and facilities accessible through the All Stations Accessibility Program in the BIL | |
| Enforce ADA compliance in existing and new investments in Amtrak stations and rail vehicles | |
| Promote opportunities for federal funding and financing to expand transportation alternatives for people with disabilities living in rural communities |