Transportation
Access to public transportation is a key to independence and full community participation for people with disabilities. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) sets forth specific requirements for transit systems including fixed route buses, light and heavy rail systems, ADA complementary paratransit, over-the-road buses, shuttles, and other forms of publicly and privately-funded public transportation.
DREDF advocates for the development and implementation of strong, comprehensive ADA transportation requirements, works toward additional accessible transportation service, and provides in-depth training for people with disabilities and others on ADA transportation that includes current policy developments and best practices.
Latest Updates
Topic Guides on ADA Transportation
Funded by the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) to provide technical assistance on ADA transportation, the Topic Guides on ADA Transportation bring together the requirements of the ADA and the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) ADA regulation, FTA determinations, and operational practices that comply with the ADA.
Reports & Training Manuals
Accessible Transit Services for All
The ATSA project presents successful strategies for providing ADA paratransit that transit agencies can use to improve service effectiveness and cost efficiency.
Read the ReportAddressing Disability and Ableist Bias in Autonomous Vehicles: Ensuring Safety, Equity and Accessibility in Detection, Collision Algorithms and Data Collection
This brief includes policy measures to mitigate the identified risks are proposed.
Read the Issue BriefTransportation Update: Where We've Gone and What We've Learned
A comprehensive analysis of surface transportation in the U.S., covering bus, train, and paratransit systems, enforcement, rural transit and fixed route deviation, key policy developments in ADA transportation, commercial driver’s license rules, public rights-of-way, and privately-funded transportation, including accessible taxis and transportation network companies.
Read the reportDREDF Comments on Autonomous Vehicles
- Comments Opposing CPUC Immediate Authorization for Waymo and Cruise Expanded Service, Draft Resolutions TL-19144 and TL-19145 | August 10, 2023
- Virtual Capitol Hill Briefing: Autonomous Vehicle Safety and Accessibility for People with Disabilities | March 7, 2023
- Comments on Proposed Decision of California PUC Commissioner Shiroma Authorizing Deployment of Autonomous Vehicle Passenger Service | November 3, 2020
- Autonomous Vehicles: Promises and Challenges of Evolving Automotive Technologies | February 11, 2020
- Comments Submitted in Response to the AV Inclusive Design Challenge RFI | January 31, 2020
- DREDF Comments Regarding Issues Addressed in a Bicameral, Bipartisan AV Bill | August 23, 2019
- Comments Concerning Preparing for the Future of Transportation: Automated Vehicles 3.0 | November 30, 2018
- Comments Submitted Concerning Removing Barriers to Transit Bus Automation | March 4, 2018
- Comments Submitted Concerning Research Program: Automated Transit Buses | March 5, 2018
- Comments Submitted Concerning Automated Driving Systems | March 5, 2018
- Comments Concerning the Public Meeting: Automated Vehicle Policy Summit | March 9, 2018
- Comments Concerning Removing Regulatory Barriers for Vehicles with Automated Driving Systems | March 23, 2018
Coalitions
Consortium for Constituents with Disabilities Transportation Task Force
DREDF is an active participant of the Task Force and served as a Co-Chair from 2018 to February 2023. CCD’s Task Force page includes recent and past AV-related comments.
Autonomous Vehicle (AV) Tenets
A coalition of more than 55 organizations, including DREDF. The AV Tenets serve as a guide to federal legislation and policy on the development and deployment of AVs. The AV Tenets are divided into four main categories: prioritizing the safety of all road users; guaranteeing accessibility for all; preserving consumer and worker rights; and, ensuring local control and sustainable transportation.