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30 Years After the Americans with Disabilities Act

Christian T. Kent
From the Archives
5 min read
30 Years After the Americans with Disabilities Act

Thirty years after President George H.W. Bush signed the ADA into law, public transit has seen monumental physical progress. Yet significant work remains in digital accessibility and seamless door-through-door service.

30 Years of Physical Transformation

In 1990, less than 30% of public buses were equipped with wheelchair lifts or ramps. Today, 100% of fixed-route bus fleets across the nation are accessible, low-floor vehicles.

However, physical vehicle accessibility is only half the battle. Sidewalk infrastructure, bus stop snow clearance, and digital app accessibility remain critical barriers.

"An accessible bus is useless if the sidewalk leading to the bus stop is blocked by construction or snow."

Key Executive Takeaways

  • 100% bus fleet accessibility must be paired with accessible infrastructure and technology.
  • Rider advisory committees must have a direct voice in transit agency policy making.
  • Universal design benefits every transit customer, from parents with strollers to travelers with luggage.
Christian T. Kent
About the Author

Christian T. Kent ("Mr. Paratransit")

Founder & Principal Consultant at Transit Management Consulting, LLC with nearly 40 years of public transportation leadership, former WMATA Accessibility Chief, and Executive Recruiter with KL2 Connects.

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