§12142 Public Entities Operating Fixed Route Systems

Summary

Public transit agencies that run fixed routes must not buy or lease new buses, rail cars, or other vehicles for the system after the 30th day following July 26, 1990 if those vehicles are not accessible to people with disabilities, including wheelchair users. For used vehicles bought or leased after that date, agencies must show they tried in good faith to get a used vehicle that is accessible. Agencies also may not remanufacture a vehicle to extend its useful life by 5 years or more, or buy such a remanufactured vehicle during that extended life, unless it is made as accessible as possible. If a route or part of it is on the National Register of Historic Places and making a historic vehicle accessible would significantly change its historic character, the agency only has to make changes that do not significantly alter that character. The Secretary will issue rules that define what counts as a historic vehicle.