Disability Access to Transportation Act
- Sponsor
- Rep. Titus, Dina [D-NV-1]
- Committees
- Transportation and Infrastructure Committee (primary)
- Last action
- Jun 25, 2025
Bottom line
This bill aims to enhance transportation accessibility for individuals with disabilities through pilot programs, regulatory updates, and improved complaint mechanisms, building upon the Americans with Disabilities Act.
What it actually does
This bill establishes a one-stop paratransit pilot program to allow stops during trips and an accessibility data pilot program to improve transportation planning. It also mandates new federal regulations for accessible pedestrian facilities and enhances the process for individuals with disabilities to report transportation-related discrimination complaints.
Proponents argue
Supporters argue the bill directly addresses persistent discrimination and the lack of accessible transportation options that individuals with disabilities continue to face, as highlighted by the ADA's original intent and current challenges. They contend that modernizing paratransit services with technology, ensuring accessible pedestrian infrastructure, and streamlining complaint processes are crucial for independent living and community participation for millions of Americans with disabilities.
Opponents contend
Critics might argue that the bill's pilot programs, while well-intentioned, could lead to increased administrative burdens and costs for transit agencies, especially smaller or rural ones, without guaranteed long-term funding or proven scalability. Concerns could also be raised about the potential for unfunded mandates on local entities regarding pedestrian facility standards or the effectiveness of new complaint procedures without sufficient enforcement resources.
The bill is relatively concise and its provisions are clearly laid out, making it accessible for a reader to understand its core proposals within a reasonable timeframe.
Section 3
One-Stop Paratransit Pilot Program
This section directs the Secretary of Transportation to establish a pilot program allowing paratransit riders to make at least one stop of at least 15 minutes outside the vehicle during a trip. This aims to prevent long wait times between multiple trips for essential tasks. The program gives preference to transit agencies that use existing operators and workforce, and plan to use technology for dynamic routing, real-time tracking, and same-day scheduling.
Supporters argue
Supporters argue this program directly addresses a critical pain point for paratransit users, enabling them to combine errands and appointments, which is essential for independent living. They highlight the potential for technology integration to improve efficiency and rider experience, moving paratransit services into the modern era.
Critics contend
Critics might raise concerns about the operational challenges and increased costs for transit agencies to implement and manage these 'one-stop' trips, especially without clear guidelines on how to balance flexibility with service efficiency and scheduling. They might also question the scalability of such a program across diverse transit systems.
Tradeoffs
Balances rider convenience and independence against potential increases in trip duration, operational complexity, and resource allocation for transit providers.
Section 4
Regulations for Accessible Pedestrian Facilities
This section mandates the Attorney General to issue regulations within 180 days of enactment to adopt enforceable standards for new construction and alterations of pedestrian facilities in public rights-of-way. These regulations must comply with the guidance issued by the Architectural and Transportation Barriers Compliance Board (Access Board).
Section 5
Enhanced Accessibility Complaint Reporting
This section requires the Secretary of Transportation to ensure individuals can easily file disability discrimination complaints with the Department of Transportation (DOT) via phone, mail, and online. It mandates public transit providers and contractors to display information about filing complaints with the Federal Transit Administration's Office of Civil Rights and local agencies on their websites and apps. It also requires the Secretary to publish annual reports on complaint dispositions.
Section 6
Accessibility Data Pilot Program
This section establishes a pilot program for the Secretary of Transportation to develop or procure an open-source accessibility data set. This data set will help eligible entities (States, metropolitan planning organizations, rural transportation planning organizations) improve transportation planning by measuring access to destinations across various modes (including transportation network companies), disaggregated by population categories (e.g., low-income, minority, age, disability type), and assessing the impact of new investments. The pilot program will terminate after 8 years.