July marks the 25th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), which has greatly improved and expanded accessibility and independence for individuals with disabilities.
As the first fully accessible fixed-route bus fleet in Texas, Capital Metro has achieved many milestones since taking delivery of its first lift-equipped buses in 1986. Since then, every Capital Metro vehicle put into service has been 100 percent accessible, with lift, ramp access and “kneeling” capabilities to lower buses to facilitate boarding.
All vehicles provide convenient access and securement areas for passengers who use wheelchairs or other mobility devices, and seating in the front of vehicles is reserved for seniors 65 and over, persons in wheelchairs, or other passengers with disabilities.
MetroRail trains offer level boarding, spoken onboard announcements and station ticket vending machines featuring Braille and audio features. MetroRapid Route 801 and 803 vehicles are also fully ADA compliant, with push-button annunciators at stations and wheelchair securement areas, equipped with companion seating. Braille signage is now also available at all Local bus stops.
“As the greater Austin area continues to grow, Capital Metro will continue to hold accessibility as a top priority to ensure our community, regardless of ability, has access to high-quality transportation solutions,” said Capital Metro President/CEO Linda Watson.”
In March of this year, Capital Metro hosted the ADA Legacy Tour "Road to Freedom" bus at the Crestview MetroRail Station during its nationwide tour in commemoration of the 25th anniversary of the Act.
The full list of Capital Metro accessible features include:
Local Bus
- Fully accessible fleet
- Service animals welcome onboard
- Tether strap program
- Travel training program
- Equipped lifts or low-floor ramps
- Braille at all bus stops
- Priority seating area
MetroRail
- Ticket vending machine audio feature
- Station platform tactile markings
- Annunciator on train stating all stops and safety information
- Level boarding at all stations
- Priority seating area
MetroRapid
- Fully ADA compliant
- Push-button annunciator button at all stations
- Braille at stations
- Braille placards with vehicle ID numbers are located at both front and rear entrances
- Extra “stop” chord
- Wheelchair securement area with companion seating
- Priority seating area
