Public Provides Input on Updated Guidelines for Buses and Vans July 23, 2007
In April, the Board released for public comment a preliminary draft of revisions updating its accessibility guidelines for buses and vans covered by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). In response, vehicle manufacturers, transit operators, trade associations, consumers, disability groups, and others provided feedback on the draft changes. By the close of the comment period on June 11, the Board received approximately 80 comments by email, mail, and fax. The Board will use this input to refine the draft.
The released draft includes revisions to bring the guidelines, which were first published in 1991, up-to-date. Changes include the addition of provisions for new or variant forms of service, such as bus rapid transit. In addition, the Board is revisiting various specifications, such as minimum space requirements for wheelchairs, due to the increasing diversity of mobility aids now on the market.
The Board will also issue draft updates of other sections of the vehicles guidelines which, in addition to buses and vans, cover rail cars, trams, and other modes of transportation. The input received on the recent and upcoming drafts will be used to prepare an official proposal which will also be made available for comment.
For further information, contact Dennis Cannon at cannon@access-board.gov, (202) 272-0015 (v), or (202) 272-0082 (TTY).
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