Mass Transit for Elderly and Handicapped Persons

Urban Mass Transportation Administration's Actions Gao ID: CED-77-37 March 25, 1977

Efforts must be made by the Urban Mass Transportation Administration (UMTA) to provide effective mass transportation for elderly and handicapped persons.

Before 1975, UMTA was passive in carrying out laws for equal access to transportation by these citizens, believing that manufacturers would not submit responsive bids for wheelchair-accessible buses. Manufacturers have now submitted responsive bids. There is continuing litigation as to whether all transit facilities must be made accessible or whether equivalent specialized services are an appropriate alternative, as UMTA holds. To properly assess all relevant factors, as, for example, cost, handicapped ridership, and effect on other passengers, fully accessible transportation could be tried in selected urban areas. UMTA has not made full use of its research and development of transit vehicles and services.

Recommendations

Our recommendations from this work are listed below with a Contact for more information. Status will change from "In process" to "Open," "Closed - implemented," or "Closed - not implemented" based on our follow up work.

Director: Team: Phone:


The Justia Government Accountability Office site republishes public reports retrieved from the U.S. GAO These reports should not be considered official, and do not necessarily reflect the views of Justia.