§12181 Definitions

Summary

Defines key words used in this part of the law. Commerce means travel, trade, transport, or communication that crosses state lines, goes between a state and a foreign country or territory, or moves inside a state but through another state or country. Commercial facilities are nonresidential places whose activities affect commerce. A demand responsive system is any vehicle-based transportation that is not a fixed-route system. A fixed route system is vehicle transportation (not by aircraft) that follows a set route and schedule. An over-the-road bus is a bus with a raised passenger deck over a baggage area. A private entity is any entity that is not a public entity (see section 12131(1)). Certain private businesses count as public accommodations if they affect commerce — for example, lodging (with an exception for buildings with not more than five rooms that the owner lives in), restaurants and bars, entertainment and meeting places, stores and services, transit stations, museums, parks, schools, social service centers, and places for exercise or recreation. Rail and railroad have the meaning given in 49 U.S.C. 20102(1). Readily achievable means easy to do and not too costly; factors to consider include the nature and cost of the action, the financial resources and size of the facility and its employer, the overall resources and size and number of the covered entity’s facilities, and how the entity operates (including workforce and how facilities are related). Specified public transportation means buses, rail, or other non‑aircraft vehicles that serve the public on a regular basis (including charter). Vehicle does not include rail passenger cars, locomotives, freight cars, cabooses, or the railroad cars described in section 12162 or otherwise covered under this subchapter.