While urban and rural areas differ significantly in the availability of transportation, there are resources you should pursue no matter where you are located.
Air and Rail Transportation The Air Carrier Access Act of 1986 (ACAA) prohibits discrimination against qualified people with disabilities. Air carriers are mandated to establish procedures for resolving complaints including complaints resolution officials (CROS). These officials are available at public airports and must be available via TDD's if they are accessible via regular telephones. More information is available regarding ACAA from: Office of General Counsel U.S. Department of Transportation, 400 7th Street, S.W. - Room 10424 Washington, D.C. 20590, or phone (202) 366-9306 (voice) or (202) 755-7687 (TDD).
For a booklet entitled "New Horizons for the Air Traveler With A Disability" write to the U.S. Department of Transportation, Office of the Secretary of Transportation 400 7th Street, S.W., Room 10424, Washington, D.C. 20590. This booklet is a very practical guide to air travel, discussing everything from getting advance information about the aircraft to boarding and deplaning.
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Airline Travel. Title II affects public airport accessibility and Title III covers accessibility of private airports. Information is available in a pamphlet entitled, "A Guide To Accessibility of Terminals" published by Airport Operators Council International, Inc. and single free copies are available from: Consumer Information Center, Pueblo, CO 81009
Train Travel. Information regarding accessibility of rail travel can be obtained by contacting local Amtrak office. Though currently not specifically addressed under the ADA, most major carriers are attempting to make reasonable accommodation. Local rail terminals or stations would be the best resource for information on accessible trains and routes.
Bus Travel. The ADA provides for complementary service if buses or trolleys are not accessible or if a person's disability or condition prevents them from using public transportation. This means people are entitled to alternative transportation which operates at the same time and to the same locations as the public transit system. Most communities have developed an application and certification system for identifying persons eligible for these services. Coordinated Transportation Service Agencies (CTSAs) are handling this in many communities. Contact your local CTSA-ADA Eligibility Coordinator or your Regional Center about who is coordinating these services locally.
Public Transportation The Americans With Disabilities Act requires that the U.S. Department of Transportation issue regulations mandating accessible public transit vehicles and facilities. The regulations must include a requirement that all new fixed-route public transit buses be accessible and that supplementary paratransit services be provided for those individuals with disabilities who cannot use fixed route services. For more information, contact U.S. Department of Transportation - 400 Seventh Street S.W., Washington, D.C. 20590, or by phone, (202) 366-9305 (voice), or (202) 755-7687 (TDD).
Public transportation services in most communities are administered by a local metropolitan transportation commission or board. These organizations generally work with committees which represent and include persons with disabilities. This is a way to become involved in advocating for improvements in the local public transportation system. They often work with local community college districts in developing programs to teach students with disabilities how to access user-friendly buses, trolleys, etc. Contact local public transit authority for listing of accessible lift-equipped buses and routes, as well as a transit guide to all regional transit operators. The transit authority is also often able to provide a listing or directory of specialized transportation providers available locally.
Specialized Transportation Services If a listing is not available through local public transit authority, most local phone directories now generally publish listings in the community services and access pages. Listings generally include vendors serving smaller communities within a metropolitan area. Most counties administer a rural transportation service. Up-to-date lists should provide vendor phone numbers, areas served, stipulations (i.e., eligibility, whether it is a door-to-door service, lift-equipped, times of operation, etc.) and the cost. Most listings also include ride-share information for persons interested in car-pooling. This is a great option for getting to know people and using a truly generic resource. Non-emergency medical transportation is also often available and stipulations vary from one provider to another. Many hospitals and clinics provide shuttle services for their own patients.
Excerpted from Patterns of Supported Living: A Resource Catalogue; Developed for the California Department of Developmental Services by Allen, Shea & Associates and Claudia Bolton Forrest, 1780 Third Street, Napa, CA 94559, (707) 258-1326, 6/93.