Mobility Ability: 25 Years of ADA Transit Services
Millions of Americans wake up knowing they must use some sort of public transportation during the day, whether for commuting, shopping, banking, getting to the doctor, or visiting friends and family.
But public transportation can be challenging for people with disabilities. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990 required that certain public transit operators provide paratransit service—that is, accessible, origin-to-destination transportation, operating in response to requests from riders, as shown below. For the 25th Anniversary of the ADA, the WatchBlog checks up on ADA paratransit services.
(Excerpted from GAO-13-17)
According to a 2012 survey we conducted, ADA paratransit services are moving more people than ever before. Population growth, more people with disabilities living independently, and improved service are among the factors driving these increases.
But cost is a major challenge for providers of ADA paratransit services. Our survey results showed that, on average, the cost of providing an ADA paratransit trip was around $29, versus around $8 for fixed-route service, as shown below.
Moreover, the average paratransit fare of $2 is far below the average cost of providing the trip. This is because the ADA requirements for paratransit service limits the fare that may be charged.
(Excerpted from GAO-13-17)
We found that transit agencies are taking a variety of actions to address both costs and increased demand. Some of these actions include coordinating with health and human services providers to improve ADA paratransit services or address the costs of providing such services.
Additionally, our survey results showed that some transit agencies have made accessibility improvements to their regular fixed-route systems since 2007 and are providing travel training to help riders transition to fixed-route services.
We will continue to monitor our recommendations related to paratransit to help ensure services keep rolling for another 25 years.
- Comments on GAO’s WatchBlog? Contact blog@gao.gov.
GAO Contacts
Related Products
GAO's mission is to provide Congress with fact-based, nonpartisan information that can help improve federal government performance and ensure accountability for the benefit of the American people. GAO launched its WatchBlog in January, 2014, as part of its continuing effort to reach its audiences—Congress and the American people—where they are currently looking for information.
The blog format allows GAO to provide a little more context about its work than it can offer on its other social media platforms. Posts will tie GAO work to current events and the news; show how GAO’s work is affecting agencies or legislation; highlight reports, testimonies, and issue areas where GAO does work; and provide information about GAO itself, among other things.
Please send any feedback on GAO's WatchBlog to blog@gao.gov.