The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) was enacted on July 26, 1990. Among its many provisions, this civil rights act is intended to ensure equal access for people with disabilities to public transportation. Under the ADA transit providers have the responsibility to make their services and facilities accessible. The expectation of the ADA is that most transportation services provided for individuals with disabilities will be provided by regularly accessible fixed route. The ADA requires that all new vehicles purchased for general fixed route public transportation service be accessible for people with disabilities. Under the ADA, paratransit (SHUTTLE) service is defined as a “safety net” for those individuals with conditions that prevent fixed route system use, not just make more it difficult.
