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Notice

The Public Right-of-Way Accessibility Guidelines (PROWAG) rulemaking has concluded. The PROWAG final rule has been published in the Federal Register. Please visit the Access Board’s PROWAG page for the guidelines.

About ADAAG for Transportation Vehicles

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ADA Accessibility Guidelines for Transportation Vehicles

photo of  a wheelchair user boarding a bus The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requires access to new or remanufactured transportation vehicles, including buses and vans, rail cars, automated guideway vehicles, trams, and similar vehicles. Vehicles covered by the ADA must comply with standards issued by the Department of Transportation (DOT). These standards are based on the Board’s original ADA Accessibility Guidelines for Transportation Vehicles (1991). Regulations issued by DOT under the ADA apply these standards and indicate which vehicles are required to comply. DOT’s ADA regulations also address transportation service and facilities.

The Access Board has updated its accessibility guidelines for buses and vans in 2016. These updated provisions are not yet part of DOT’s enforceable vehicle standards. The Board is also updating its guidelines for rail cars.

Background

  • September 6, 1991 – The Board publishes the ADAAG for Transportation Vehicles, which are also adopted by DOT on the same day.

  • September 28, 1998 – The Board and DOT jointly issue a final rule to supplement requirements for over-the-road buses in the vehicles guidelines and standards.

  • April 11, 2007 – The Board releases draft updates to the guidelines for buses and vans for public comment.

  • November 19, 2008 – The Board releases revised draft updates to the guidelines for buses and vans for public comment.

  • July 26, 2010 – The Board proposes updates to guidelines on buses and vans for public comment: Docket.

  • May 23, 2013 – The Board establishes the Rail Vehicles Access Advisory Committee to recommend updates to sections of the guidelines covering rail cars.

  • July 29, 2015 – The Rail Vehicles Access Advisory Committee submits its final report to the Board.

  • December 14, 2016 – The Board issues a final rule updating the guidelines for buses and vans.

  • February 14, 2020 – The Board issues advance notice for public comment on update of guidelines for rail cars: Docket.

Technical Assistance

Contact the Access Board for assistance on these guidelines