Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Title II and III: Transportation

Title II prohibits disability-based discrimination in public transportation services run by state and local governments. Newly purchased public transit buses must, in most cases, have wheelchair lifts. Transit systems must provide paratransit (or site to site transportation) for persons whose disabilities prevent them from using the fixed route bus system. Standards for accessible transit vehicles and paratransit vehicles are developed by the Access Board.

Although paratransit must at least be "comparable" to fixed route service, ADA does not actually require public transit systems to provide more transportation to people with disabilities than they offer to the general public. In communities with meager public transit, ADA requirements may not produce good transportation access to the community.

Title III covers transportation provided by private entities, such as intercity bus companies. Businesses such as hotels, which also operate transportation services, are subject to Title III.

Transportation provisions enforcement: ADA Assistance Line for information, questions and complaints
855-368-4200 Voice
202-366-4000 Voice
800-877-8339 TTY
Website: https://www.transit.dot.gov/

Transportation - documents and questions
202-366-1656 Voice
TTY: use relay service

Transportation - legal questions
202-366-4000 Voice
TDD: use relay service

Or write to:
U.S. Department of Transportation
1200 New Jersey Ave., SE
Washington, DC 20590

Guide Location: 

08:1A;