Passenger Bus, Rail and Motorcoach Industry News

Jean-Marie Lawrence made it her mission to make others, especially politicians, aware of transportation problems for Chattanooga residents with disabilities. She said that for people with disabilities, sidewalk access is the city's biggest flaw and that some bus stops are not accessible.

The free passes, which will be distributed to more than 170,000 people over the next year-and-a-half, can be used for up to four free trips on the Staten Island Railway, the subway system or on local buses.

Ralph Braun is credited with helping to create the mobility industry, driven initially by his own mobility needs. Innovations include devising a way to install a wheelchair lift on a van, enabling people with disabilities to travel on the road with their wheelchairs.

Grants of up to $20,000 will be given to up to 20 organizations for a six-month period to assist in the documentation, further development and replication of models for involving seniors and people with disabilities in the planning, design and implementation of coordinated transportation systems or processes.

COAST bus service asked communities to contribute more in funds as demand for an Americans with Disabilities Act requirement for door-to-door pickup has increased by approximately 50% per year over the past few years.

Des Moines Human Rights Commission says the agency is not meeting the needs of disabled and elderly bus riders, especially on the city’s south side. A DART spokesperson said that one south-side route that consultants proposed cutting was restored based on rider feedback.

Program possible though budgeting and $30,000 anonymous gift.

The Muskegon City Commission voted to end its senior transit program on Dec. 31 due to a reduction in funds. The city had already extended the program by six months.

The city’s fare policy change will require people with mobility devices and the visually impaired, who have a card from the Canadian National Institute of the Blind, to pay full fare on city transit buses. Right now, cardholders can ride them for free.

Agency staff members visit senior citizen centers around Los Angeles County to teach older adults about the benefits of public transit and familiarize them with local transportation options, whether it be Metro, Foothill Transit, local Dial-A-Ride or one of the other municipal operators.