Public Transportation: An Investigation of Barriers for People With Disabilities

TLDR

Since the ADA of 1990, physical accessibility of public transportation has improved nationwide, yet significant barriers to overall access remain widespread. This study aims to comprehensively describe the barriers faced by people with disabilities when using public transportation and complementary paratransit services. An online survey was distributed to contacts of the National Network of ADA Centers, yielding 4,161 responses. Results reveal that physical and attitudinal barriers persist, and recommend environmental modifications and educational initiatives to reduce negative attitudes toward individuals with disabilities.

Abstract

The physical accessibility of public transportation increased nationwide following the passage of the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA) in 1990. Despite removal of many physical barriers within fixed-route systems, significant barriers to overall access of public transportation systems are still widespread. The purpose of the current study was to provide a full description of barriers experienced by individuals with disabilities when using the public transportation and the complementary paratransit services. An online survey was developed and disseminated to contacts of the National Network of ADA Centers, and 4,161 individuals responded. Results highlight significant barriers for people with disabilities who use public transportation and complementary paratransit services. Barriers to these transit systems are physical and attitudinal in nature, and as a result, modifications to the physical environment and educational opportunities to reduce negative attitudes toward individuals with disabilities are recommended.