Employer-Provided Transit Many employers have developed commuterassistance programs, including Apple, Best Buy and the Bluegrass Industrial Park in Louisville. These programs are all tailored to the local needs of employees, and range from vouchers and incentives to use existing public transportation options to carpooling networks and “express” buses that are often powered through partnerships with local governments.
Public Transit Stations
ADA Compliant Accessibility
99%
COMPLIANT
88%
COMPLIANT
67%
COMPLIANT
53%
COMPLIANT
Transit Bus Stations Light Rail Train Stations Commuter Rail Train Stations Heavy Passenger Rail Train Stations
Figure 3-8 Stations Compliant with the Americans with Disability Act: 2000–2013, U.S. Department of Transportation, Bureau of Transportation Statistics (2013).
B States should encourage businesses to use government incentives and programs to offer shuttles and other transportation options for employees.
EXAMPLES IN ACTION Washington operates a number of strategies to support state transportation access policy. The state distributes millions of dollars on a biennial basis to nonprofit organizations through its State Paratransit/Special Needs Competitive Grant program. Through its vanpool grant program, Washington has built the largest community vanpool fleet in the country, providing all workers, including people with disabilities, an alternative employment-related transportation option. The North Carolina Assistive Technology Program (NCATP) provides services statewide to children and adults of all ages and abilities as well as those who, possibly because of age, are having difficulties with activities of daily living. Services are provided in our assistive technology centers and satellite offices, as well as in workplaces, homes, schools and communities. NCATP assists employers and employees in the public and private sectors as well as professionals in health care, education, rehabilitation and social services. Both individuals and agencies may request assistance with identifying AT resources and tools.
Paratransit, the Uber/Lyft Way Some transit agencies are considering contracts with Uber and Lyft, which rely on apps and contract drivers to provide their services, to provide their paratransit services to citizens with disabilities, with usability and flexibility in mind.
64 The Council of State Governments • National Conference of State Legislatures