§12185 Study

Summary

The Office of Technology Assessment must study how people with disabilities can use over-the-road buses and the most cost-effective ways to make those buses accessible, especially for wheelchair users and for all boarding methods. The study must look at likely demand, how usable current buses and services are (including those covered by sections 12184(b)(4) and 12186(a)(2)), which accessibility methods work best, the costs including new technology, possible bus design changes (like adding accessible restrooms without losing seats), and how accessibility rules might affect the continuing availability of bus service, with special attention to rural areas. OTA must form an advisory committee made up of bus operators and makers, people with disabilities (especially wheelchair users), and technical experts such as boarding-equipment manufacturers. OTA must send the study and its recommendations, including any policy options, to the President and Congress within 36 months after July 26, 1990. If the President finds meeting the deadlines in section 12186(a)(2)(B) would greatly cut intercity bus service, each deadline may be extended by 1 year. OTA must give a draft to the Architectural and Transportation Barriers Compliance Board, and any written comments the Board sends within 120 days must be included in the final report.