How to Improve Transit Accessibility

Writing in Prism, Bianca Gonzales describes the work of the Disability Mobility Initiative, a program in Washington state that aims to draw attention to the needs of transit riders with disabilities. “Since its inception, the initiative has been compiling stories from non-drivers throughout the state and documenting them in the Transportation Access for Everyone StoryMap. It includes interviews with more than 270 non-drivers about the barriers they face when navigating their communities.”

The article points out that “According to the Bureau of Transportation Statistics, 13.4 million Americans between the ages of 18 and 64 have self-reported travel-limiting disabilities. Only 1 in five of people within this group work full time or part time, while 3 out of 4 Americans without disabilities aged 18-64 work.”

Transit is a key factor in whether people with disabilities, the elderly, and other groups can access jobs, healthcare, and other amenities. “Pregnant women, both with and without disabilities, who rely on public transportation face challenges in accessing health care, which can lead to an increased risk of developmental disabilities for children as well as maternal mortality.”

According to a DMI report, “Transportation agencies should ensure transit connects riders to key destinations where medical services, education, and recreation are offered. They should coordinate between jurisdictions to reduce transfer wait times and develop and improve tools to help riders anticipate the arrival of their busing system and increase overall consistency.”