Disability Access to Transportation Act

This legislation, recognizing persistent discrimination and lack of accessible transportation for individuals with disabilities despite the Americans with Disabilities Act, seeks to address these issues. It highlights that current paratransit services often suffer from outdated methods, lacking real-time tracking, offering long pick-up windows, and generally not allowing same-day bookings, which significantly hinders independent living. The bill emphasizes the need for the transportation sector to innovate and increase access, empowering individuals with disabilities to travel independently. To combat these issues, the bill establishes a One-Stop Paratransit Pilot Program , allowing at least one 15-minute stop during paratransit trips to enable riders to complete essential tasks. This program prioritizes transit agencies that use existing operators and workforce, and those planning to incorporate technology innovations like dynamic routing and real-time tracking. Additionally, the Attorney General must issue regulations for accessible pedestrian facilities in public rights-of-way, ensuring new construction and alterations comply with established guidance. The legislation also enhances accountability by requiring the Secretary of Transportation to implement procedures for easily filing disability-related transportation complaints via phone, mail, or online. Public transit providers must display clear information on their websites and apps about how to file these complaints, and an annual report detailing their disposition will be published to ensure transparency. Finally, an Accessibility Data Pilot Program will be established to develop and provide comprehensive data sets to States and planning organizations, measuring transportation access across various modes and disaggregated by population categories to inform future investments.