Research & Statistics

A Review of FTA Section 5310 Program's State Management Plans

The 1975 Federal Transit Administration's (FTA) Elderly and Persons with Disabilities Program (section 5310) has played an important role in filling gaps in accessible transportation services. This report provides a transportation policy analysis of state transportation services designed to meet the needs of elderly individuals and individuals with disabilities. The analysis looked at state management plans that were in place prior to the passage of the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act (SAFETEA-LU) to establish a consistent baseline among states which can be used to measure the programs' impact and progress in achieving national goals. This link opens a PDF document.

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Access to Transporation

Information from the N.O.D./Harris 2000 Survey of Americans with Disabilities regarding access to transportation, which is often a predictor of employment, political participation, access to entertainment, socializing and religious attendance.
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Annual Reports on Disability-Related Air Travel Complaints

Yearly reports from the U.S. Department of Transportation on complaints related to air travel and people with disabilities.
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Cutting Edge Issues in Accessible Transportation

The Center for Transportation Excellence's materials and links to topical transportation issues, including accessibility.
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Department of Transportation's (DOT) Digital Document Center

Online access to documents on a wide range of transportation-related issues from the DOT Publications Library.

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Federal Transit Administration (FTA) Programs for Elderly Persons & Persons with Disabilities

Information on the FTA's program providing funding to States for the purpose of assisting private nonprofit groups in meeting the transportation needs of the elderly and persons with disabilities.
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Freedom To Travel Survey Findings

Findings from a survey conducted by the Bureau of Transportation Statistics regarding accessibility of transportation systems for people with disabilities. This link opens a PDF document.

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Intelligent Transportation Systems of America (ITSA)

ITSA promotes research, deployment and operation of intelligent transportation systems through leadership and partnerships with all stakeholders.
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National Center for Accessible Transportation (NCAT) at Oregon State University

NCAT's goal is to improve best practices in making transportation system accessible.
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National Center for the Dissemination of Disability Research

Conducts research, engineering and development activities to help shape new technologies, improve service delivery and expand decision-making options for people with disabilities and their families.
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National Transit Institute (NTI) at Rutgers State University

Develops, promotes and delivers training and education programs for the public transit industry on a multitude of topics, including paratransit. Tuition fees waived for federal, state and local government employees who work in the transportation or related areas.
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Public Involvement Techniques for Transportation Decision-Making

Information on making meetings and information accessible under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and ensuring participation by the disability community, which is essential in public transportation and highway planning.

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Rehabilitation Engineering Research Center on Accessible Public Transportation (RERCAPT)

RERCAPT researches and develops ways to empower consumers and service providers in the design and evaluation of accessible transportation equipment, information services and physical environments.  Read about RERCAPT’s research projects and trainings that focus on involving riders with disabilities and others in improving all types of public transportation accessibility. These projects document and look at the problems throughout the transportation system and develop good solutions. Training and online continuing education opportunities are also part of RERCAPT’s work.

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Rehabilitation Engineering Research Center on Wheelchair Transportation Safety

Works to improve transportation safety, usability and independence for people who remain seated in their wheelchairs when traveling in public, school and private motor vehicles.
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Rural Transportation Issues

General information from the Rural Institute on Disabilities at the University of Montana on research and demonstration programs, including the use of a voucher system.
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Strategies to Increase Coordination of Transportation Services for the Transportation Disadvantaged

The Transportation Research Board created a report on how transportation systems may be improved for the transportation disadvantaged.
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Study Shows Public Transit Needs Additional $3.9 Billion Annually by 2030 to Serve Mobility Needs of Older Americans

A new study conducted for the American Public Transportation Association (APTA), Funding the Public Transportation Needs of an Aging Population, has found that to serve the rapidly growing portion of Americans older than 65, public transportation will incur increased operating and capital costs on the order of another $3.9 billion annually by 2030. The study highlights the need for more low-floor and kneeling buses, improved interior circulation, additional stanchions and grab bars and other accessibility features.

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The Road More Traveled - A Journey to Accessible Transportation

This book celebrates and describes the nation's steps on the road to accessible transportation and charts a path to a future of empowered, independent communities of full mobility for all. This link opens a PDF document. The book is also available in Word format.

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The United We Ride National Dialogue Final Report

In 2009 more than 3,500 stakeholders from all 50 U.S. states and the District of Columbia participated in the United We Ride National Dialogue. The National Dialogue asked the question, What ideas can improve access to affordable and reliable transportation for people with disabilities, older adults, and people with limited incomes? At the conclusion of the National Dialogue, an Independent Panel of Fellows of the National Academy of Public Administration identified emerging themes and key recommendations for the Federal Interagency Coordinating Council on Access and Mobility (CCAM). This report contains a summary and analysis of those recommendations. The complete report can be downloaded in Word format.

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Transit Cooperative Research Program (TRCP)

Provides tools to innovate and solve problems in the transportation industry. Scroll down the Web page to view the publications on people with disabilities.
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Tribal Transportation: Barriers & Solutions

An information brief from the American Indian Disability Technical Assistance Center with links and resources on the topic of tribal transportation barriers and solutions.

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