SARTA Offers Free Rides for 25th Anniversary of ADA

July 26th marks the 25th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).  In honor of this anniversary, SARTA is offering free Rides on July 27 to all passengers utilizing fixed routes or Proline Services.

With the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), our nation committed itself to eliminating discrimination against people with disabilities. The ADA, works toward equality of opportunity, full participation, independent living, integration and economic self-sufficiency for persons with disabilities. The law guarantees equal opportunity in employment, public accommodations, transportation, government services and telecommunications.

After the passing of the law, access to public transportation for riders with disabilities improved dramatically. The percentage of buses accessible for these riders was 51 percent in 1993, according to the American Public Transportation Association (APTA). By 2013, the accessibility had increased to 99.8 percent.

“The Americans with Disabilities Act gives those with disabilities independence and freedom,” said Kirt Conrad, executive director, “As a community partner, we are proud to provide individuals with disabilities access to work, medical appointments, school and shopping.  All of our buses and transit centers are ADA accessible to ensure individuals with disabilities can maintain their independence and freedom.”