Since its passage, the Americans with Disabilities Act has helped to remove some of the barriers by providing several transportation options and alternatives. Under the ADA, transportation systems must be available, accessible and usable to people with disabilities, and new federal grants have made mass transit far more accessible. Today, most public transit systems are largely accessible and about 25 million people with disabilities utilize the systems. For people who cannot use bus or rail service because of their disability, paratransit services provide the same services as bus and rail with advance reservations. As communities grow and more public transportation is implemented, there will be an increase in paratransit services.
Many systems also use enunciators to notify riders of approaching stops.
This enhancement makes the system more accommodating for people with visual impairments. Earlier this year, the Bush Administration launched an initiative to provide funding for 10 pilot programs that will use innovative approaches to developing transportation plans that serve people with disabilities. The Administration will establish a competitive matching grant program to promote access to alternative methods of transportation through community-based and other providers. These services, initiatives, and improvements represent progress towards ensuring that all people have full access to the services they require. Our nation is moving towards 100 percent accessible transit systems and transportation operators running vehicles that are accessible to and usable by persons with physical or mental impairments.