Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA) prohibits discrimination and ensures equal opportunity and access for persons with disabilities.
The Federal Railroad Administration works to ensure nondiscriminatory transportation in support of our mission to enhance the social and economic quality of life for all Americans. The FRA Office of Civil Rights is responsible for civil rights compliance and monitoring to ensure non-discrimination of inter-city rail services.
Transportation Services for Individuals with Disabilities
In September 2011, the U.S. Department of Transportation issued a revision to Part 37 – Transportation Services for Individuals with Disabilities. In response to numerous questions over parts of the new rule, the DOT General Council has issued these Questions and Answers to clarify portions of the rule.
ADA Questions and Answers:
- What is the Minimum Width for Non-Level Boarding
- What are the Obligations of a Public Entity that Owns and Controls Track
- When Does Section 37.42 Begin to Apply
- What Constitutes An Alteration To A Platform
- What Happens If Private Entity Objects to Level Boarding Platform
- Other Circumstances An Approach Other Than Level Boarding Is Allowable
- What Does Rule Mean By Existing Freight Operations
- Performance Standard On A Station-By-Station Basis
- Must Rail Platforms Be At Least 8 Inches Above Top of Rail (ATR)
- Which Cars Does A Railroad Operator Have To Make Available To Passengers With Disabilities
- Accessibility Standards Applying To Passenger Rail Cars When Specific Design Standards Are Not Provided in 49 CFR Part 38
- Wheelchairs and Bus and Rail Service
eLibrary
- ADA & Level Boarding Consolidated Q&A
- Americans With Disabilities Act Of 1990 (Ada) Intercity And High-speed Passenger Rail Platform Construction Guidance And Lessons Learned
ADA Links
ADA Regulations, Guidance, & Procedures
- The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990
- Part 27--Nondiscrimination on the Basis of Disability in Programs and Activities Receiving or Benefitting From Federal Financial Assistance
- Part 37--Transportation Services for Individuals with Disabilities
- Final Rule Adopting New Accessibility Standards -- Effective November 29, 2006
- Americans with Disabilities Act Accessibility Guidelines (ADAAG)
- Part 38--Accessibility Specifications for Transportation Vehicles
Service Animals
Last updated: Wednesday, June 21, 2023