Accessible Transit Services for All

Ensuring the provision of accessible transit services for all requires that both accessible fixed-route transit services and Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) complementary paratransit services be provided. Significant progress has been made on both since the passage of the ADA in 1990. Some challenges remain, including the provision of high-quality, cost-effective, and sustainable ADA paratransit. Between 1999 and 2012, demand for ADA paratransit increased from 68 million trips per year to 106 million trips per year, and the average nationwide cost per trip increased from $13.76 to $32.74. This report presents successful strategies for providing high-quality, cost-effective, and sustainable ADA paratransit service and describes examples of inclusive service designs that can be used to effectively meet the transit needs of all riders. A nationwide survey of transit agencies was conducted to identify strategies and service designs. Twelve in-depth case studies were conducted to gather information about implementation and effectiveness. The disability community was involved to identify and select service strategies, designs, and case studies.