Public Transportation: An Investigation of Barriers for People With Disabilities. (June 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Bezyak, Jill L.; Sabella, Scott A.; Gattis, Robert H.
• Is Part Of: Journal of disability policy studies. Volume 28:Number 1(2017:Jun.)
• Page Start: 52
• Page End: 60
• Publication Date: 2017-06
• Subjects: public transportation -- accessibility -- barriers -- disability; People with disabilities -- Government policy -- Periodicals; People with disabilities -- Services for -- Periodicals; People with disabilities -- Government policy -- United States -- Periodicals; People with disabilities -- Services for -- United States -- Periodicals; 362.4097305
• DOI: 10.1177/1044207317702070
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1044-2073

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.