Langevin Introduces Transit Accessibility Innovation Act

Press Release

Congressman Jim Langevin (D-RI), a founder and co-chair of the Bipartisan Disabilities Caucus, today introduced the Transit Accessibility Innovation Act of 2014, along with original co-sponsors Congresswoman Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) and Congressmen David Price (D-NC), Rush Holt (D-NJ), Tim Ryan (D-OH), Steve Cohen (D-TN) and Mike Quigley (D-IL). This legislation would create a competitive grant program under the Federal Transit Administration that would encourage public transit systems to address deficiencies in service for individuals with disabilities.

"Public transportation provides a gateway to employment, health care and community-based resources for all Americans and for people with disabilities in particular," Langevin said. "Strong public transit systems provide a cornerstone for vibrant, successful communities, and it is imperative that those systems are accessible to everyone. I am proud to introduce the Transit Accessibility Innovation Act and I firmly believe that making public transportation more accessible will result in greater equality and inclusion for people with disabilities."

The Transit Accessibility Innovation Act would amend MAP-21 through the creation of a new pilot program designed to encourage transportation systems to become more accessible. Grants would be awarded on a competitive basis, funding projects that significantly improve public transportation for people with disabilities. The FTA would evaluate applicants based on six long-term outcomes, including community integration, safety, accessibility, quality, coordination and customer service, with a particular focus on projects that could be replicated in other communities.

"All persons with disabilities, including thousands of returning Veterans, understand the difficulty of using public transportation," said Congresswoman Tammy Duckworth. "We must do better. Ensuring that disabled Americans can consistently access public transportation is critical to their ability to live independent and fulfilling lives. This legislation will help persons with disabilities contribute to our country and their communities more than ever."

"As we build more sustainable communities that provide diverse transportation choices, we must ensure that all Americans have access. This important legislation would support innovative programs to enhance accessibility of our transit systems for some of the people who rely on these services the most," said Congressman David Price.

"I am proud to support services that make public transportation more accessible for Americans with disabilities. This program will be instrumental in helping disabled Americans utilize the public transit systems already in place across our great nation. This is a bill that both sides of the aisle can come together and agree upon, and it is our responsibility to do everything in our power to make sure those most in need in our communities have the services they deserve," said Congressman Tim Ryan.

"Accessible public transit systems increase the vibrancy and livability of cities across the country, including my hometown of Chicago. But we can't truly consider them publicly accessible unless everyone in our community can enjoy the benefits they have to offer. I'm proud to support this effort to promote equality and inclusion for Americans with disabilities," said Congressman Mike Quigley.

The Transit Accessibility Innovation Act is endorsed by Easter Seals, the Amalgamated Transit Union, the Disability Rights Education and Defense Fund, United Spinal and the Community Transportation Association of America.

"Transportation is integral for people with disabilities to be able to live, learn, work and play in their communities. People with disabilities disproportionately rely on public transportation, and the investment that the Transit Accessibility Innovation Act represents creates the opportunity to support more programs and policies that can work. This would be an important resource and we strongly support Rep. Langevin's legislation," said James E. Williams, Jr., President and Chief Executive Officer of Easter Seals.

"Nearly a quarter century after the passage of the historic Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990, transportation for people with disabilities still needs drastic improvement. A U.S. Bureau of Transportation Statistics study found that six million people living with disabilities had difficulties accessing needed transportation. Rep. Langevin's bill would provide a unique opportunity for the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) to invest in public transit projects that promise to achieve critical national objectives in meeting the needs of persons with disabilities as they commute to work, contribute to their community, socialize, buy groceries, go to school, visit the doctor, and attend to life's other necessities and pursuits. We are proud to support the legislation," said Larry Hanley, International President of the Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU).