Public Transit Access for Disabled Persons in the United States

ABSTRACT

Disabled persons in the United States often lack usable public transit. The two most common solutions put forth are lift equipped buses on a fixed route and demand-response paratransit systems. Both of these programs have serious drawbacks in terms of service provided and costs, but a combination of them can begin to resolve the problem of public transit for disabled persons. The arguments for and against the use of lift buses and paratransit systems are analyzed. A policy recommendation is made.